Cholesteatoma in Children with Sotos Syndrome

Background : Sotos syndrome is a rare genetic disorder characterized by neurodevelopmental delay and excessive childhood growth including macrocephaly. In this study, we present our experience of children with Sotos syndrome and cholesteatoma. Methods: Retrospective case note review and cross-referencing with hospital picture archive and communication systems or cases identified from a prospective database of consecutive cholesteatoma surgeries. Results: A total of 400 children underwent surgery for acquired cholesteatoma and 5 (1%) had Sotos syndrome (1 bilaterally). In comparison, 42(11%) had cleft palate which is around 10 times more common than Sotos syndrome, 5 (1%) had Down syndrome, and 3 (1%) had Turner syndrome. The median age at primary surgery was 8 years old (3.5-10.9 years), 124 children with Sotos syndrome were identified in picture archive and communication systems (4% with cholesteatoma) of which temporal bone imaging was available in 86 (70%) at the median age of 9 years (0-17.2), and 33/86 (38%) had normal ears bilaterally on all imaging. Changes consistent with fluid or inflammation were present in 9/30 (30%) computed tomography and 24/72 (33%) magnetic resonance imaging scans. Development of mastoid pneumatization was impaired in 20/30 (67%) computed tomography and 8/72 (11%) magnetic resonance imaging scans. At 5 years, children with Sotos syndrome (33%) had greater recidivism than those with cleft palate (15%) (Kaplan–Meier log-rank analysis, P = .001) Conclusion: Children with Sotos syndrome appear to be at increased risk of developing acquired cholesteatoma. Impaired temporal bone pneumatization is a common incidental finding in Sotos syndrome in keeping with this risk. Further study of this previously unreported association may improve the understanding of pathogenetic mechanisms in cholesteatoma.