McGuire JK, et al. - Experts compared the radiological differences of the middle ear cleft in HIV-positive and HIV-negative children with cholesteatoma. Findings suggested the likliness of the HIV-positive pediatric patients with cholesteatoma to have smaller, sclerotic mastoids compared to HIV-negative patients. They have a significantly greater probability to have bilateral cholesteatoma. In terms of surveillance of HIV-positive children, as well as, an approach to management, recurrence and follow-up, this could have implications. For developing cholesteatoma, HIV infection ought to be flagged as a risk factor.

Methods

• Researchers carried out a retrospective, cross-sectional, observational analytical review of patients with cholesteatoma at their institute over a 6 year period.

Results

• As per data, 45 patients were included in the study, 11 of whom had bilateral cholesteatoma and therefore 51 ears were eligible for this assessment.
• Smaller (p=0.02) mastoid air cell systems (MACS) were seen in HIV-positive patients.
• Findings suggested that sclerotic mastoids was seen in 40% of HIV-positive patients, whereas the rate was 3% in HIV-negative ears (p < 0.02).
• Bilateral cholesteatoma was seen in 82% of the HIV-positive patients vs 7% of the control group (p < 0.02).
• With regards to opacification of the middle ear cleft, bony erosion of middle ear structures, Eustachian tube obstruction or soft tissue occlusion of the post-nasal space, results did not demonstrate any difference between the 2 groups.