[Cholesterol granuloma of the petrous apex--etiology, diagnosis and therapy]

In the past cholesterol granuloma has been described as an innocuous disease in the mastoid air cells related to an obstruction of the air source to a normally pneumatized cavity due to chronic inflammation. Cholesterol granuloma of the petrous apex has since been recognized as a distinct clinical entity that may cause severe cranial nerve problems and which thus demands adequate surgical treatment.

Diagnosis and surgical management are discussed on the basis of two typical case studies and a review of the literature.