An Acoustic Neurinoma with Intratumoral Hemorrhage

ABSTRACT

Acoustic neurinoma are the most frequent tumors in the region of the cerebellopontine angle. They usually present with a gradual onset of symptoms and slow progression. Development of spontaneous hemorrhage with sudden aggravation of symptoms is rare. The authors present a case of acoustic neurinoma associated with a spontaneous intratumoral hemorrhage. Sudden aggravation of symptoms was noticed. The cranial computed tomography revealed multiple blood-fluid levels within the cysts of the tumor which was located in the region of the right cerebellopontine angle. Operation was performed, which confirmed recent hemorrhage within the tumor. Pathological study revealed a typical neurilemmoma associated with hemorrhage, vascular proliferation and macrophages which phagocytosed hemosiderin pigments. The rare sudden aggravation of symptoms in cases of acoustic neurinoma may suggest hemorrhage.