Cystic hygroma and facial nerve paralysis: a rare association

Cystic hygromas most often occur in the neck in children and are benign lesions not associated with cranial nerve palsies. We present two cases in which a facial nerve paralysis was one of the presenting symptoms. The computed tomographic (CT) scans localized the lesions, suggested a diagnosis, and obviated angiography. Secondary otitis media and intraparotid invasion and hemorrhage were responsible for the reversible facial nerve palsies. We suggest that CT of the temporal bone, parotid bed, and neck is the diagnostic procedure of choice in children clinically suspected of having cystic hygroma as the cause of a facial nerve paralysis.