Lesions of the cerebellopontine angle and internal auditory canal: diagnosis and differential diagnosis

Semin Ultrasound CT MR. 2004 Aug;25(4):332-52. doi: 10.1053/j.sult.2004.04.003.

Abstract

Schwannoma of the eighth cranial nerve (acoustic neuroma) is, by far, the most common cerebellopontine angle lesion. There is, however, a wide variety of differential diagnostic possibilities that must be considered when viewing images of patients with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), vertigo, and dizziness. This communication is intended to provide the reader with an approach to this problem. Detailed anatomy of the region is also included in this communication.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cerebellopontine Angle / pathology*
  • Cranial Nerve Neoplasms / complications
  • Cranial Nerve Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Ear Canal / pathology*
  • Ear Neoplasms / complications
  • Ear Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Hearing Loss, Sensorineural / diagnosis*
  • Hearing Loss, Sensorineural / etiology
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Neuroma, Acoustic / complications
  • Neuroma, Acoustic / diagnosis*