Cholesteatoma behind an intact tympanic membrane: Histopathologic evidencefor a tympanic membrane origin

Background: Several theories have been proposed with respect to the origin and pathogenesis of cholesteatoma behind an intact tympanic membrane. Case Report: The authors describe a case of choresteatoma behind an intact tympanic membrane in a 71-year-old man with a history of tympanic membrane retraction fixed to the incus without evidence of a perforation. The membra ne eventually became detached, and remnants of keratinizing squamous epithe lium were found on the incus. Discussion: Mechanisms such as metaplasia, ectopic epidermis rests, or ingr owth of meatal epidermis have been proposed to explain the pathogenesis of cholesteatoma behind an intact tympanic membrane. These findings, based on temporal bone histopathology, support the role of an acquired epidermal res t. Conclusions: This case report provides evidence that cholesteatoma behind a n intact tympanic membrane can be established from a resolved retraction of the pars tensa of the tympanic membrane.