The predictive value of high resolution computerized tomography in chronic suppurative ear disease.

High resolution computerized tomographic scanning was used in the preoperative evaluation of 50 patients with chronic suppurative ear disease. The radiological predictions were compared with the operative findings in each case. This form of imaging proved to be highly accurate in depicting the extent of soft tissue within the middle ear cleft and mastoid. With the exception of the long process of the incus and the stapes superstructure, the state of the ossicular chain was correctly predicted in over 90% of cases. Erosion of the labyrinth was clearly depicted in 4 of the 5 cases in which it occurred. A correct pathological diagnosis was made radiologically in 44 cases (88%). The selective use of this modality in the evaluation of patients with chronic suppurative otitis media is valuable.