Spontaneous involution of acoustic tumors.
OBJECTIVE
To determine spontaneous involution of unilateral acoustic tumors in untreated patients.


METHODS
Outcome of a continuous study, 1982 to present.


METHODS
Private tertiary otology/neurotology referral center.


METHODS
Patients with unilateral acoustic tumors for whom interval imaging was selected rather than surgery or gamma knife radiation, 1982 to the present.


METHODS
Interval imaging with computerized axial tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging.


METHODS
Spontaneous involution of acoustic tumors.


RESULTS
Forty-seven patients with unilateral acoustic tumors were untreated and followed up with interval imaging for 1 to 12.5 years. Six patients (13%), whose ages ranged from 59 to 74 years and who were followed up for 4.3 to 12.5 years, demonstrated imaging evidence of spontaneous acoustic tumor involution. Involution varied from 3.4 mm to 15 mm.


CONCLUSIONS
Spontaneous involution of acoustic tumors does occur. Long-term follow-up is necessary to determine this potential.
Luetje
C M
CM
Otologic Center, Inc., Kansas City, Missouri 64111-2413, USA.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009464:Neuroma, Acoustic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D012075:Remission, Spontaneous; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed