Gustatory Function in Patients With Cerebellopontine Angle Masses.

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Otolaryngology
• Neurosurgery

Background:

• Cerebellopontine angle (CPA) masses can affect cranial nerves, including those involved in taste.
• Subjective and objective taste dysfunction are potential sequelae of CPA masses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of untreated CPA masses on subjective and measured taste function.
• To determine the prevalence of taste impairment in patients with CPA masses.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cross-sectional study of 135 adult patients with untreated CPA masses.
• Gustatory function was psychophysically measured using Taste Strips on both sides of the tongue.
• Subjective taste complaints were assessed via questionnaire; hemi-ageusia defined by asymmetry.

Main Results:

• Overall measured taste function was significantly lower on the affected side (9.8 ± 3.3) versus the healthy side (11 ± 2.9; p < 0.0001).
• 13.3% of patients had hemi-ageusia, but only 30.8% of these reported subjective taste dysfunction.
• Vestibular schwannomas (VS) classified as Koos IV showed the lowest taste scores on the affected side (7.5 ± 3.7).

Conclusions:

• A measurable decrease in ipsilateral gustatory function is common in patients with CPA masses before treatment.
• The majority of patients do not perceive their taste impairment, suggesting a need for preoperative assessment.
• Preoperative taste assessment may be important for medicolegal reasons to manage expectations and avoid postoperative claims.