An unusual complication following translabyrinthine resection of an acoustic neuroma

We report the case of a 58-year old man who presented with a 4 cm right acoustic neuroma. He underwent a translabyrinthine resection. Two years later he presented with multiple strokes and progressive generalised deterioration. A cerebral angiogram demonstrated an extensive right side cerebellar dural arteriovenous fistula with retrograde flow causing corticovenous reflux. The fistula was treated successfully endovascularly. There is only one published report of a dural arteriovenous fistula occurring following acoustic neuromas surgery. The pathogenesis and management of this unusual complication is discussed.