Middle Ear Teratoma: Clinical and Imaging Features

Abstract

Background: Teratoma is a true neoplasm composed of a number of different types of tissue derived from the three germinal layers but rarely occurs in the middle ear (ME). The features of middle ear teratomas (MET) have not been well described. Objective: The objective of this study is to explore the clinical and imaging features of MET, and report 2 rare cases of MET with ear malformation that have never been reported. Materials and Methods: The clinical, CT and MRI data of 8 patients with a pathological diagnosis of MET were collected and retrospectively mined, and 14 patients with MET reported in previous literature were also reviewed. Results: ① Female, left ear predominance in MET, and the most common symptoms were otorrhea and hearing loss. ② On CT and MRI, the MET presented as an irregular soft tissue mass that was heterogeneous, with fatty tissue and involved multiple sites, and the ET and tympanum were correspondingly expanded and locally destroyed. ③ Mictotia with MET in two patients was presented, which was the first report. Conclusion: MET has female sex and left ear predominance. CT and MRI can be used to diagnose MET and display its extent and its relationship to the carotid canal in detail. Complete surgical excision is the definitive treatment.