RARE LESIONS OF THE POSTERIOR-FOSSA WITH INITIAL RETROCOCHLEAR AUDITORY AND VESTIBULAR COMPLAINTS

Objective: To catalog a series of rare lesions of the posterior fossa that appeared with unusual initial retrocochlear symptoms and signs an d to make the reader more aware of these unusual lesions with a view t o improving initial assessment and treatment planning. Study Design: T he study was a retrospective case review of seven patients. Setting: M ultidisciplinary team evaluation in a tertiary hospital referral cente r. Patients: Patients with unusual lesions of the cerebellopontine ang le and posterior fossa with initial retrocochlear symptoms and signs w ere included. Interventions: Diagnostic and therapeutic. Main Outcome Measures: Hearing preservation and balance function. Results: The rare lesions presented include two aneurysms of the anterior-inferior cere bellar artery, one giant basilar artery aneurysm, and one each of the following neoplasms: endodermal cyst choroid plexus papilloma, caverno us angioma, and ependymoma. Conclusions: A close working relationship among the otolaryngologist, neurotologist, neurosurgeon, and neuroradi ologist is necessary to accurately evaluate these unusual cerebellopon tine angle lesions and effect the best treatment outcome.