TOMOGRAPHIC GRADATION OF OTOSCLEROSIS USING THE SYMONS AND FANNING METHOD: A DOUBLE-BLIND STUDY TO EVALUATE ITS EFFECTIVENESS

• DOI: 10.22533/at.ed.1593802302103

• Palavras-chave: otospongiosis, grades, classification, radiology, computed tomography.

• Keywords: otospongiosis, grades, classification, radiology, computed tomography.

• Abstract:

  Otosclerosis is a primary osteodystrophy of the otic capsule and is one of the main causes of deafness in adults. Several authors have used tomographic grading systems for otosclerosis in their studies, with the Symons and Fanning classification being one of the best known. This study aims to determine the degree of interobserver agreement of this classification. 31 patients with evidence of otosclerosis on Computed Tomography examination on at least one side were selected (77% had bilateral disease). Two neuroradiologists, certified by the Brazilian Society of Neuroradiology, classified the severity of the disease using the Symons/Fanning classification system. The results showed great disagreement between the cases, with agreement only in 43.5% regarding the presence and degree of otosclerosis. There was absolute agreement between all cases classified as grade 3, with marked discrepancies between the others.