Congenital cholesteatoma of petrous apex: Rare case report: Diagnostic and management challenge

Abstract

A rare case of congenital cholesteatoma of petrous apex with facial nerve palsy and its successful management is reported. 49 year old female presented with progressive vertigo since 2 years. Patient developed tinnitus and hearing loss in the right ear since 7 months and right sided complete facial asymmetry since 6 months. She had normal right tympanic membrane and complete right lower motor neuron facial nerve palsy. She also had profound sensorineural hearing loss with positive Cerebellar signs. Magnetic resonance imaging and High resolution computed tomography with contrast temporal bone showed extensive bony destruction and petrous apex lesion. Facial nerve and vestibular cochlear nerve was compressed by abnormal soft-tissue present in the internal auditory meatus. Transmastoid translabyrinthine exploration was carried out for petrous apex lesion. Intra-operative extensive bony erosion was noted in the temporal bone. Erosion was extending upto Internal Acoustic Meatus compressing VII and VIII nerve bundle. Post-operatively patient was relieved of vertigo and tinnitus. Though hearing didn't improve, but there was an improvement in facial palsy. Congenital petrous apex cholesteatoma is very rare case. With no specific radiological signs congenital cholesteatoma is difficult to diagnose pre-operatively. It was a challenge to treat surgically such a rare case with extensive neurosurgical presentation without any neurological deficit. Patient showed improvement official nerve after the 1΍ year of surgery.