Abstract
The case of a pontine tumor in a 2-years-old female is presented. Both a preceding and coexisting disease hidered a correct diagnosis. The patient complained of a left hearing loss after a mumps infection at 10 months of age before she was referred to us. She thereafter developed bilateral acute otitis media and left slight facial paralysis 10 days prior to the first visit. A detailed evaluation of both the facial palsy and hearing loss could not be performed because of her age. Despite intensively treating the otitis media, the facial paralysis did not improve. Finally, MRI revealed a left pontine tumor. In small children, such as in this case, it is difficult to perform a detailed analysis of faical paralysis and hearing loss. This case shows the importance of a detailed examination to rule out a neoplastic origin in pediatric facial paralysis, even when other diseases coexist.
