Clinical Analysis of Small Acoustic Neurinoma

Abstract

Eight cases of small acoustic neurinoma were clinically analyzed along with a review of medical literature. The patients were 6 females and 2 males, ranging from 32 to 75 years old. Tinnitus was an initial symptom in 6 cases (75%) and was more frequent than hearing loss, although 2 cases had sudden onset hearing loss. Recognition of sudden onset hearing loss, tinnitus and vertigo as the initial symptoms is considered essential in detecting small acoustic neurinoma. Abnormal findings on pure tone audiogram were observed in 7 cases and abnormal findings on plain X-ray examination were observed in 6 cases. All cases showed abnormal findings on ABR while only 3 of 6 cases (50%)showed canal paresis in caloric test. MRI was most suitable for the demonstration of acoustic neurinoma in these cases. It is important for otolaryngologists to consider the possibility of acoustic neurinoma when patients complain of cochlear and vestibular symptoms. It is thought that patients in whom acoustic neurinoma is not excluded should be carefully observed and further examined until acoustic neurinoma is confirmed or definitely excluded.