Pars flaccida cholesteatoma as demonstrated by computed tomography.

Prior to the availability of high-resolution computed tomography (CT), the mainstay of roentgenographic diagnosis of cholesteatoma was conventional filming and complex motion tomography. The precise extent of the soft-tissue mass was very difficult to delineate with these methods, and one relied on indirect findings such as bony erosion and displacement. With high-resolution CT, the soft-tissue mass itself can be seen. Typical modes of extention of pars flaccida cholesteatomas of varying size are illustrated in this study.