RESUMO
To evaluate the impact of diagnostic mastoid X-ray in the improvement of the outcome of active safe chronic suppurative otitis media [CSOM]. Retrospective study, for two groups of patients. A total of 270 patients with safe active CSOM were managed by routine aural toilet, antibiotics and decongestant, divided in to two groups, those who were not exposed to diagnostic x-ray [Group I] and those who were exposed to diagnostic mastoid x-ray [group II]. Oto-Rhino-Laryngological Department in Mosul General Hospital and Al-Rahma hospital during the period from January 2002 to December 2004. The final result after 10-15 weeks of follow-up indicated that 50% of patients had complete dryness of the ear from discharge in those exposed to diagnostic X-ray and Only 25% of those not exposed to diagnostic X-rays showed complete dryness of the ear, [p-value = 0.000] which is statistically a significant result. Some patients with active safe CSOM may get benefit from exposure to diagnostic mastoid X-rays