Magnetic resonance imaging findings in a patient with bilateral facial paralysis due to malignant lymphoma.

In malignant lymphomas, especially non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, invasion to the central nervous system (CNS) often occurs. A patient is reported here with bilateral facial paralysis due to invasion of a malignant lymphoma to the CNS. Contrast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed swelling of the entire length internal auditory meatus and enhancement in the entire length of the facial nerve. Transcranial magnetic stimulation and MRI revealed that later facial nerve injury was present before the onset of paralysis due to a malignant lymphoma. Therefore treatment should be performed with consideration given to the possible invasion of the tumor to the CNS.