Otoneurological management of petrous apex cholesterol granuloma
Received 30 July 2008 published online 09 March 2009.
Abstract
Objective
The aim of the study is to review the management of petrous apex cholesterol granuloma. The surgical approaches for drainage or total removal and the wait and see policy were analyzed, and outcomes were evaluated.
Methods
Retrospective charts of 27 patients managed for petrous apex cholesterol granuloma with a minimum follow-up of 12 months were analyzed in a quartenary skull base center. Presenting symptoms and signs were recorded, and radiologic imaging was evaluated. Management options included wait and see policy and surgery by several approaches.
Results
The mean age of patients affected by the lesion was 38.8 years. The mean follow-up was 56.7 months. Patients complained of hearing loss, vertigo, tinnitus, diplopia, hemifacial spasm, trigeminal neuralgia, and facial paresthesia. Twelve patients were managed by wait and see policy, and in this category, only one lesion showed growth during the follow-up. Depending upon size and location, 15 patients were surgically treated by infralabyrinthine approach (9 patients), infratemporal type B approach (3 patients), combined infratemporal type B transotic approach (2 patients), and transotic approach (1 patient). One recurrence was recorded during the follow-up.
Conclusions
Radiologic evaluation is required for diagnosis and management. Patients with good hearing can be treated by infralabyrinthine approach. Infratemporal fossa type B approach is advocated in patients with extensive disease and internal carotid artery involvement. Wait and see policy is recommended for asymptomatic cases. Drainage and permanent ventilation are the goals of treatment. Complete removal is indicated in selected cases where placement of drainage tube is not feasible.
bDipartimento Scienze Otorinolaringoiatriche-Università degli Studi di Palermo, Italia
cUniversità degli Studi “G. d'Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, Italia
Corresponding author. Dipartimento Scienze Otorinolaringoiatriche-Università degli Studi di Palermo, Via Paolo Emiliani Giudici 37, 90127 Palermo, Italia. Tel.: +39 3334565471.
ABSTRACT