Meningeal carcinomatosis producing bilateral sudden hearing loss: a case report

Meningeal carcinomatosis is characterized by diffuse infiltration of the leptomeninges by metastatic cancer in patients usually with a previous history of malignancy. Primary tumors are usually adenocarcinomas of the breast or lung, or malignant melanoma. Meningeal carcinomatosis can present with headache and/or a variety of cranial neuropathies. We report a case of meningeal carcinomatosis presenting as a complete, bilateral, sudden hearing loss without other cranial nerve findings--a previously unreported presentation. Our patient also exhibited an unusual primary tumor site (esophagus) and histopathology for meningeal carcinomatosis. The case was impressive for the subsequent abrupt onset of a series of cranial neuropathies and the rapid deterioration in the patient's condition.