MENINGOENCEPHALIC HERNIATION INTO THE MIDDLE-EAR - A REPORT OF 27 CASES

Meningoencephalic herniation into the middle ear is a rare and potenti ally life-threatening condition that may require prompt surgical inter vention. Preoperative diagnosis is based on a high index of suspicion. Sometimes, however, meningoencephalic herniation is discovered during surgery. High-resolution computed tomography and magnetic resonance i maging should be performed to confirm the diagnosis and to evaluate th e extension of the herniated tissue. This article discusses the diagno stic approach, management strategy, and surgical technique used in 27 patients with meningoencephalic herniation. In an attempt to avoid inf ective complications, the authors used the middle cranial approach in patients with large herniations.