[Problems with flute playing: an otological problem? Case report of a peculiar cerebellar astrocytoma]

Acta Otorhinolaryngol Belg. 1992;46(4):405-10.
[Article in Dutch]

Abstract

A rare case of cerebellar astrocytoma presenting as a cerebellopontine angle tumour is discussed. A 35-year old woman noticed a bizarre twitching and fatigability of the left upper lip while playing the flute. There was also a mild hearing loss on the left side and she sometimes felt unsure of herself when walking. A thorough examination by means of speech audiometry, electronystagmography, ABR, CT-scan and MRI revealed a large, partly calcified mass occupying the cerebellopontine angle. Only the histological examination of the surgical specimen revealed the true nature of the tumour. The special characteristics of this tumour and the unusual clinical course are discussed. The importance of a good histological diagnosis is stressed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Astrocytoma / diagnosis*
  • Astrocytoma / pathology
  • Astrocytoma / surgery
  • Cerebellar Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Cerebellar Neoplasms / pathology
  • Cerebellar Neoplasms / surgery
  • Cerebellopontine Angle*
  • Diagnostic Imaging
  • Electrophysiology / methods
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed