ABSTRACT
Two cases of large seventh nerve neurinoma presenting as masses in the middle cranial fossa are presented. The radiographic findings are discussed with attention to CT appearance. In the appropriate clinical context, correlation with radiographic studies should strongly support diagnosis of middle fossa neurinoma originating from the seventh cranial nerve. Failure of preoperative diagnosis may result in unexpected operative loss of facial nerve function.
Subject(s)
Cranial Nerve Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Facial Nerve , Neurilemmoma/diagnostic imaging , Skull Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Tomography, X-Ray Computed , Adult , Female , HumansABSTRACT
The unusual appearance of the large cisterna magna on computed tomography is presented and the radiographic signs are reviewed and correlated. This entity may be confused with a variety of other lesions. Awareness of such developmental anomalies may obviate the need for angiography and pneumoencephalography in selected cases.
