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Recurrent facial palsy: A CARE case report
A Ferney1, J Menager2, S Schmerber3
1Service d'oto-rhino-laryngologie et de chirurgie cervicofaciale, Centre hospitalo-universitaire Grenoble Alpes, BP 217, 38043 Grenoble cedex 09, France.
Introduction:
Middle-ear adenoma is a rare benign endocrine tumor with slow progression, and can, in very rare cases, lead to recurrent peripheral facial palsy.
Case Report:
A young man experienced three episodes of right peripheral facial palsy of incremental intensity, suggestive of barotrauma. CT and MRI found a tissue mass in the tympanic cavity, and biopsy diagnosed middle-ear adenoma. Electroneuromyography found 50% impairment of facial function. Closed right tympanoplasty with complete tumor resection enabled complete recovery of facial function within 1 month.
Discussion:
Middle-ear adenoma is diagnosed on histology, as imaging on MRI can be non-specific, mimicking chronic otitis. Facial involvement is rare and is due to edematous compression of the vasa nervorum. Treatment is surgical, and follow-up should be prolonged. Palsy assessment on electroneuromyography indicates the urgency of treatment.
