Attic Retraction Pocket

One can describe a retraction pocket as a condition where part of the tympanic membrane is drawn towards the middle ear space and lies deeper than a healthy part.

Attic retraction pocket.

Management of controlled posterior or posterior attic retraction pockets tympanomeatal flap incision. 1 attic retraction pocket cholesteatoma is clearly visualized white arrow. For retraction pockets the meatal skin flap length must be at least 8 10 mm. This is differentiated from an infected retraction pocket of the pars tensa or a retraction pocket cholesteatoma.

Stratified squamous epithelium may also be present in the middle ear as other clinical or pathological entities such as metaplastic islands of the mucosa in chronic ears with central perforations. Although attic retractions have previously been classified into grades 0 through iv it is often not possible to assign attic retraction pockets into a single specific category. There has been significant bone erosion of the ear canal wall above the eardrum. Pockets may be formed in any part of the tympanic membrane but typically are located in epitympanum.

Skin material often accumulates in this pocket and becomes infected causing drainage and potential severe complications. Attic retraction pocket in the left ear white arrow with atelectatic prussak s space red circle and eroded scutum yellow arrow.