A 5-year-old child with bilateral cholesteatoma is being evaluated. Congenital cholesteatoma is most commonly found in which quadrant of the tympanic membrane when the drum is intact?
- A Posteroinferior quadrant
- B Anterosuperior quadrant ✓
- C Anteroinferior quadrant
- D Posterosuperior quadrant
Correct answer: B. Anterosuperior quadrant
Explanation
Congenital cholesteatoma with an intact tympanic membrane most commonly presents as a white mass in the anterosuperior quadrant of the middle ear. This is the classic location, believed to arise from an embryonic rest at the site of the epidermoid formation. Posterosuperior location is more typical for acquired pars flaccida cholesteatoma through a retraction pocket.
Reference: Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, 21st ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.