Bilateral secondary neurolymphomatosis of the internal auditory canal nerves: a case report

Abstract

Background: Neurolymphomatosis describes the malignant lymphomatous infiltration of nerves.

Methods: We encountered a unique case of a 47-year-old patient with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma presenting with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, vestibular dysfunction and bilateral facial nerve palsy.

Results: Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated enhancement and thickening of internal auditory canal nerves bilaterally consistent with neurolymphomatosis. Patient was treated with combined intrathecal chemotherapy and total brain irradiation.

Conclusions: One must always remain vigilant for metastatic disease in patients with sensorineural hearing loss and/or vestibular dysfunction and facial nerve palsy in the context of known malignancy.