Cavernous haemangioma of the internal auditory canal

• Published in: Journal of laryngology and otology 2000-06, Vol.114 (6), p.453-455
• Main Authors: Shaida, A. M., McFerran, D. J., da Cruz, M., Hardy, D. G., Moffat, D. A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: (RF) Otorhinolaryngology; Adult; Biological and medical sciences; Diagnosis, Differential; Ear Canal; Ear Neoplasms - complications; Ear Neoplasms - diagnosis; Ear, auditive nerve, cochleovestibular tract, facial nerve: diseases, semeiology; Facial nerve; Facial Paralysis - etiology; Female; Haemangioma; Hearing loss; Hearing Loss, Sensorineural - etiology; Hemangioma, Cavernous - complications; Hemangioma, Cavernous - diagnosis; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging - methods; Medical sciences; Neuroma, Acoustic - diagnosis; Otorhinolaryngology. Stomatology; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications, Neoplastic - diagnosis; sensorineural; Tumors
• ISSN: 0022-2151; 1748-5460
• DOI: 10.1258/0022215001905823

Cavernous haemangiomas are rare lesions of the cerebello-pontine angle that can mimic the more commonly occurring vestibular schwannoma. A case report involving a patient with a cavernous haemangioma of the internal auditory canal (IAC) highlights this as a diagnostic possibility for lesions of the IAC by comparing and contrasting the clinical and radiological findings with the more commonly occurring vestibular nerve and facial schwannomas. Symptoms such as hearing loss and facial paralysis that are disproportionate to the size of the lesion or fluctuate with hormonal changes such as those seen in pregnancy are suggestive of haemangioma. Radiological imaging demonstrating a lesion enchancing with gadolinium and containing areas of calcification is also suggestive of haemangioma. It is important to consider the possible diagnosis of haemangioma as early recognition of this entity may improve the chances of preserving the functional integrity of the facial nerve.