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Published: 2026-04-01
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.52163/yhc.v67iCD3.4728
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Tập 67 Số CĐ3-NCKH
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Articles
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Nguyên, N. H. K., Tuấn, L. A., An, Đới X., Đua, N. N., Đua, N. N., & Hoa, Đoàn T. H. (2026). MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF MIDDLE EAR CHOLESTEATOMA IN PEDIATRIC PATIENTS AT THE NATIONAL EAR, NOSE AND THROAT HOSPITAL FROM JUNE 2020 TO OCTOBER 2025. Vietnam Journal of Community Medicine, 67(CD3). https://doi.org/10.52163/yhc.v67iCD3.4728

MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF MIDDLE EAR CHOLESTEATOMA IN PEDIATRIC PATIENTS AT THE NATIONAL EAR, NOSE AND THROAT HOSPITAL FROM JUNE 2020 TO OCTOBER 2025

Nguyen Hoai Khoi Nguyen1, Le Anh Tuan1,2, Doi Xuan An2, Nguyen Nhu Dua1, Nguyen Nhu Dua1, Doan Thi Hong Hoa1
1 Department of Otolaryngology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vietnam National University, Hanoi
2 Department of Pediatrics, National Otolaryngology Hospital

Main Article Content

Abstract

Objectives: To compare selected clinical, endoscopic, and radiological characteristics between congenital and acquired cholesteatoma in pediatric middle ear disease.


Methods: A descriptive study using a case series design (both prospective and retrospective) was conducted on 65 patients at the National Otorhinolaryngology Hospital of Vietnam, research period from 2020-2025.


Research results: The proportion of male patients was higher than females in both congenital and acquired cholesteatoma groups. The mean age at diagnosis was lower in the congenital group (5.15 ± 3.28 years) compared with the acquired group (9.0 ± 3.74 years). Most congenital cholesteatomas were detected incidentally (78.7%), whereas acquired cholesteatomas commonly presented with otologic symptoms, including otorrhea (59.3%) and otalgia or hearing loss (25%). Endoscopic findings showed that congenital cholesteatomas were predominantly located in the anterosuperior quadrant of the tympanic membrane (54.6%), while acquired cholesteatomas frequently manifested as retraction pockets, tympanic membrane perforations, or attic polyps (81.2%). Regarding mastoid pneumatization, the congenital group mainly exhibited MC2 (39.4%) and MC3 (54.5%) patterns, which were more favorable compared with the acquired group, in which MC1 (53.2%) and MC0 (6.1%) predominated. On computed tomography (HRCT), intact ossicular chains were observed in 51.5% of congenital cholesteatoma cases and 18.7% of acquired cases. Erosion of all three ossicles was identified in 6.1% of the congenital group and 31.3% of the acquired group. Congenital cholesteatomas were primarily confined to the tympanic cavity (69.7%) with limited extension, whereas acquired cholesteatomas were more extensive, frequently associated with mastoid opacification (65.6%), scutum erosion (12.5%), and lateral attic wall destruction (53.1%).


Conclusion: Pediatric cholesteatoma may progress insidiously with minimal clinical symptoms despite significant structural changes in the middle ear. Therefore, early recognition of suspicious signs and regular otoscopic follow-up, particularly in male children, those with unilateral recurrent otitis media, or risk factors for Eustachian tube dysfunction, play a crucial role in early diagnosis and timely management.

Article Details

Keywords

Cholesteatoma; Congenital cholesteatoma; Acquired cholesteatoma

References

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