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[Cerebellopontine angle epithelial cyst presenting as hemifacial spasm]
1Department of Neurosurgery, Ushioda General Hospital, Kanagawa, Japan.
No to Shinkei = Brain and Nerve
|March 1, 1996
Summary
A rare cerebellopontine angle epithelial cyst caused hemifacial spasm in a 35-year-old man. Surgical removal resolved the spasm, and histological analysis suggested an endodermal origin for the cyst.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neurosurgery
- Pathology
Background:
- Cerebellopontine angle (CPA) epithelial cysts are rare lesions.
- Hemifacial spasm (HFS) is typically caused by vascular compression of the facial nerve.
Observation:
- A 35-year-old man presented with a 2-month history of right hemifacial spasm.
- Preoperative CT revealed a well-demarcated, low-density lesion in the right CPA.
- Surgical excision of the cyst was performed using an operating microscope.
Findings:
- The patient experienced immediate resolution of hemifacial spasm postoperatively.
- Histological examination showed a stratified epithelial lining.
- Ultrastructural analysis identified two cell types, suggesting an endodermal origin, distinct from neuroectodermal origins.
Implications:
- This case highlights a rare presentation of CPA epithelial cyst causing hemifacial spasm.
- The findings suggest a potential endodermal origin for these cysts, impacting differential diagnosis.
- Successful surgical management offers a curative option for this rare condition.