MRI OF NASOPHARYNGEAL CARCINOMA METASTATIC TO THE CEREBELLOPONTINE ANGLE

In patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma, intracranial spread may occ ur via direct extension from the base of the skull or via perineural s pread. Perineural spread usually affects branches of the trigeminal ne rve. We describe two patients with recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma, who presented with a solitary mass in the cerebellopontine angle with out associated bony destruction. MRI findings mimicked those of acoust ic schwannoma. The imaging findings and possible pathways of spread ar e discussed.