[Tympanic paragangliomas: analysis of a nine cases].
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this work was to evaluate the diagnostic strategy and outcome of patients treated for tympanic paraganglioma.


METHODS
Nine patients presented with tympanic paraganglioma were treated in our unit from 1996 to 2003. There were eight women and one man, mean age 65 years. Surgery was performed in all nine patients. This retrospective analysis focused on revealing signs, diagnostic tools, surgical procedure for tumor resection, and short-, mid-, and long-term functional outcome.


RESULTS
The surgical procedure was well tolerated by all patients. There were no cases of postoperative mastoiditis. None of the patients experienced postoperative dizziness. Total tumor removal was achieved in seven patients. In one patient, incomplete tumor resection was decided in order to preserve facial motion. All patients but one were relieved from their tinnitus in the early postoperative period. In four patients, preoperative hearing levels were worsened by the surgical procedure, essentially through an alteration of preoperative conductive hearing loss.


CONCLUSIONS
MRI is highly contributive to the diagnosis of tympanic paraganglioma, which should be evoked in patients with pulsatile tinnitus. Diagnosis should be established as early as possible to lower the postoperative morbidity. While surgery can provide cure and relieve tinnitus, there is a high risk of auditory deterioration.
Praticien attaché, Service d'ORL et de Chirurgie cervico-faciale, Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire de Clermont-Ferrand, Hôpital Gabriel Montpied, 30 place Henri Dunant, BP 69, 63003 Clermont-Ferrand Cedex 1.
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S
Laurent
Th
T
Mom
Ph
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Thiéblot
J-L
JL
Kemeny
J
J
Gabrillargues
L
L
Gilain
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004428:Ear Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D004432:Ear, Middle; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010235:Paraganglioma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D012189:Retrospective Studies