Acoustic neuroma: Predominance of Antoni type B cells in tumors of patients with vestibular paresis

Objective: This study aimed to investigate whether in patients with acousti c neuroma (AN), the presence or absence of vestibular symptoms is related t o the histologic characteristics of the tumor. Study Design: The study design was a retrospective clinical study. Setting: The study was conducted at a tertiary referral center. Patients: A group of eight patients with unilateral AN and normal vestibula r function was compared with a group of AN patients, matched for tumor size , with vestibular paresis. Methods: The methods were vestibular examination of the patients and morpho metric analysis of the histologic specimens of their tumors. Main Outcome Measures: The outcomes were measured by vestibular function an d by the relative quantity of Antoni type A or type B cell tissue. Results: The tumors of patients with vestibular paresis appeared to contain significantly more Antoni B cells and fewer Antoni A cells than did the tu mors of patients with normal vestibular function. Conclusions: Besides morphologic differences, type B cells may display a di stinct behavior compared with type A cells. Presumably, in AN patients the development of a vestibular paresis appears to be related to the biologic a ctivity of type B cells in the tumor.