Vascular Strip Cholesteatoma-A Case Report

INTRODUCTION: The incidence of cholesteatoma occurring as a result of tympanoplasty is extremely rare. Understanding the cause and preventing its occurrence in the future is the main intention of highlighting this peculiar presentation. CASE REPORT: A 25-year-old woman presented with progressive hearing loss and blocked sensation in the left ear of one and a half months duration. Past history revealed a history of left myringoplasty six years prior to presentation. Clinical examination of the ear revealed a smooth, soft epithelium covered bulge in the lateral one-third of the floor and posterior wall of the left external auditory canal. HRCT and MRI of the temporal bone confirmed the presence of a soft tissue density in the mastoid. Pure tone audiometry revealed conductive hearing loss. She underwent mastoid exploration, removal of sac with soft wall reconstruction. CONCLUSION: Proper placement of the vascular strip with the skin lining the external auditory canal with approximation of the incision margins is essential to prevent iatrogenic cholesteatoma formation. Close follow-up is essential to prevent any recurrence and diffusion weighted MRI plays a vital role in detection of recurrence.