Surgical Removal of Glomus Tympanicum Tumor with Preservation of an Intact Ossicular Chain -Case Report-

Abstract

We present a case of glomus tympanicum tumor in a 43-year-old woman complaining of left pulsatile tinnitus. Audiometry demonstrated a normal hearing level. Otoscopy demonstrated a red pulsating mass in the tympanic cavity. CT and MRI depicted a tumor in the meso-hypotympanic area without bone destruction. After preoperative angiography and embolization of a feeding artery, the patient underwent surgery through a retroauricular transcanal approach. The tumor was completely removed, and an intact ossicular chain was preserved without reconstruction. Histopathologic examination confirmed the diagnosis of glomus tumor. Postoperative audiometry confirmed the preoperative normal hearing level was maintained. There has not been any recurrence on follow-up for 1 year after surgery.