Osteoma of the internal auditory canal.
OBJECTIVE
Osteoma occurs almost exclusively in the head and neck region, only rarely developing into the internal auditory canal. We report an incidental finding of a case in the radiological evaluation of a patient with left hemifacial spasm.


METHODS
A 79-year-old woman consulted for left hemifacial spasm associated with left anacusis. Symptoms occurred up to 30 years prior to the first radiological investigations. Computed tomographic (CT) and magnetic resonance (MRI) images were taken.


RESULTS
MRI demonstrated a left internal auditory canal lesion with spontaneous hypointense signal on T1- and T2-weighted images. CT showed the lesion as a typically dense and opaque osteoma. It measured 0.6 cm in maximum size. No surgery was performed because of the slow-growing features of the lesion. Clinical monitoring was recommended.


CONCLUSIONS
Osteomas are diagnosed incidentally in asymptomatic patients. Our case was symptomatic and raised the question of surgical management. This article discusses the presentation and management associated with this exceptional osteoma location.
Liétin
B
B
ENT and Head and Neck Surgery Department, Clermont-Ferrand University Hospital Center, Clermont-Ferrand, France.
Bascoul
A
A
Gabrillargues
J
J
Crestani
S
S
Avan
P
P
Mom
T
T
Gilain
L
L
D000368:Aged; D001301:Audiometry, Pure-Tone; D004428:Ear Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005260:Female; D019569:Hemifacial Spasm / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D033162:Incidental Findings; D007759:Labyrinth Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D010016:Osteoma / Q000175:diagnosis*; D017084:Otoacoustic Emissions, Spontaneous; D012665:Semicircular Canals / Q000473:pathology; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014724:Vestibular Function Tests