Diagnosis and management of bilateral vestibular schwannoma in the cerebellopontine angle: A rare case report

Abstract

Vestibular Schwannoma (VS) is a benign nerve sheath tumors comprised of Schwann cells. This tumor is encapsulated, slow-growing, and originates from the internal auditory canal, extending into the cerebellopontine angle (CPA). The incidence in individuals aged 20-44 is 0.75 per 100,000 cases, with bilateral VS incidence of 0.8 per 50,000 cases. Tumors in CPA are the most common type in the posterior fossa and cause serious neurological symptoms or become life-threatening when tumors enlarge and compress the brainstem. The majority of tumors are VS (acoustic neuromas), accounting for 80%-90% of cases. Common clinical symptoms include hearing loss, tinnitus, and vertigo. Additionally, these tumors cause compression of the trigeminal and facial nerves. Advances in rapidly evolving imaging technology and surgical methods have improved diagnosis and management. A 24-year-old male complained of hearing impairment for the past 3 years alongside headaches, and dizziness leading to a feeling of imbalance, double, and blurry vision, as well as a sensation of facial thickness on the left side. Neurological examination showed cranial nerve abnormalities, including bilateral paresis of cranial nerves III, IV, VI, left cranial nerves V and VII, bilateral cranial nerve VIII, right cranial nerve XII, and cerebellar abnormalities such as intention tremor, dysmetria, dysdiadokokinesia, wide-based gait, and falling to the right during Romberg testing with both eyes open and closed. The patient underwent a contrast-enhanced MRI of the head, followed by a right CPA tumors excision through craniotomy. A detailed understanding of the medical history, physical examination, and radiological proved to be crucial in establishing an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management. This was considered essential to minimize a worse prognosis.