[Intralabyrinthine schwannoma of the vestibulocochlear nerve].

AIM: Presenting and discussing the patient with intravestibular schwannoma of the vestibulocochlear nerve, the course of disease, audiologic and radiologic examination and treatment possibilities.

METHODS

Analysis of clinical presentation and treatment of the patient with intravestibular schwannoma and review of available literature on intralabyrinthine schwannomas.

RESULTS

A 34-year-old male was diagnosed with a tumor localized in the left vestibule and semicircular canals without accompanying vertigo at any time of the disease but with tinnitus and total deafness of the left ear. Preoperative diagnosis was established on the basis of MRI with contrast. Localization of the tumor laterally to the fundus of internal auditory canal was essential for the diagnosis. Surgical treatment was chosen via translabyrinthine approach. Postoperative course was uneventful.

DISCUSSION: Intralabyrinthine schwannoma are rare pathology. Their occurrence implies that schwannomas can originate at any segment of vestibulocochlear nerve. Most commonly intralabyrinthine schwannomas are observed at intracochlear or intravestibular localization. Present trials of these tumors classification were presented. The symptoms emerging in the course of disease are hearing loss, tinnitus, and vertigo, thus there were described patients with intralabyrinthine schwannomas diagnosed and treated as Meniere disease. Treatment depends on the intensity of symptoms and tumor expansion, while approach is dependant on its localization.

CONCLUSION

Elaborate radiologic examination including MRI with contrast is essential in case of atypical course of disease with hearing loss, tinnitus and vertigo, or with early diagnosis of Meniere disease.