The role of computed tomography in the diagnosis of exudative otitis media and in the evaluation of the efficacy of its treatment

: Management of exudative otitis media is a challenging problem in view of its high prevalence and frequent complications in the form of stable hearing loss. The highest morbidity rate is documented among 25 and 50-year old subjects which accounts for the substantially reduced level of social activity associated with this disease. Clinical examination and audiologic techniques are frequently insufficient to diagnose exudative otitis media. Computed tomography provides a reliable tool for the exact diagnosis, optimal choice of treatment strategy, and evaluation of its efficacy during dynamic observations.