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[Hemangioma of the facial nerve]
E Quevedo1, A Delvalle, E Higa
1Services de Neuroradiologie, CIERM, CHU de Bicêtre, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France.
Insights
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computed Tomography (CT) evaluated facial nerve hemangiomas. MRI is preferred for suspected tumors causing facial paralysis or hearing/balance issues, aiding diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Neurology
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Facial nerve hemangiomas are rare tumors.
- They can cause facial nerve palsy and/or cochlear-vestibular dysfunction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the diagnostic value of MRI and CT in locating and characterizing facial nerve hemangiomas.
- To compare the effectiveness of MRI and CT in diagnosing these tumors.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of four male patients with facial nerve hemangiomas.
- Analysis of imaging findings from MRI and CT scans.
- Correlation of imaging findings with clinical presentation and histological diagnosis.
Main Results:
- MRI identified tumoral processes in all cases.
- CT revealed intratumoral calcifications and mass characteristics in two cases.
- Pre-operative diagnoses were often neurinoma of the VIIth or VIIIth cranial nerve, with histology confirming hemangioma.
Conclusions:
- MRI is the imaging method of choice for suspected tumoral causes of facial paralysis or cochlear-vestibular dysfunction.
- Facial nerve hemangiomas are uncommon and lack specific imaging features, but calcifications and osseous reactions can be indicative.
- Diagnosis relies on integrating clinical, topographical, and imaging findings from both CT and MRI.
Abstract:
In this retrospective study the respective values of MRI and CT in the location and nature diagnoses of facial nerve haemangiomas were evaluated. The four male patients examined were 31, 44, 56 and 62 years old; they presented with facial nerve pals and/or cochlear-vestibular dysfunction. The haemangiomas were located in the internal auditory canal, the geniculate ganglion, the tympanic segment of the facial nerve and the petrous bone apex. MRI revealed a tumoral process, while CT showed intratumoral calcifications and provided a diagnosis of mass nature in two cases. In the other cases the pre-operative diagnosis was neurinoma of the VIIIth or VIIth cranial nerve. Histology ascertained the diagnosis. MRI is the method of choice in cases of facial paralysis or cochlear-vestibular dysfunction if a tumoral cause is suspected. Haemangioma is an uncommon tumour without specific image, except for calcifications and neighbouring osseous reactions. It must also be considered on the basis of clinical and topographical findings revealed by CT and MRI imaging.