Matheus de Souza Campos, Carlos Augusto Oliveira, Luis Augusto Miranda Dias, Bernardo Alves Barbosaand, Fayez Bahmad Jr
Objective: The aim of this study is to present a case of GSPNS, its clinical features, radiological aspects and surgical treatment as well histopatological and immunochemistry findings. Furthermore we present a literature review about this particular type of Schwannomas.
Background: Greater superficial petrosal nerve schwannoma (GSPNS) is a very rare type of facial nerve schwannoma. Only 0.8% of petrous mass lesions are GSPNS. There are only 26 cases reported in literature. These tumors can involve any segment of the nerve. Patients may complain of hearing loss, tinnitus, facial palsy, and headaches, red and dry eyes. The aim of this study is to present a GSPNS case and a pertinent literature review.
Methods and Findings: A 35 years old man complained of tinnitus and hearing loss in the left ear. Examination revealed normal otoscopy and facial mimics. The patient had no dry eyes. MRI showed a solid mass with 2.1 × 1.8 cm in the left middle cranial fossa, which was completely removed. Histology and immunohistochemistry were compatible with Schwannoma. The postoperative course was without complications, no facial palsy, hearing thresholds were slightly worse in left ear and there was reduction of tear secretion.
Conclusion: GSPNS are very rare and demands a high suspicion level of physicians when dealing with patients who have middle cranial fossa tumors. It is imperative to make an appropriate and precise diagnosis, based on clinic and image examination to make a safe decision about surgical management of the lesion.
