Hemangiomas of the internal auditory canal

Three cases of vascular lesions, 1 arteriovenous malformation and 2 cavernous hemangiomas with their origin in the internal auditory canal, are presented and discussed in light of their clinical histories, neurologic and radiographic abnormalities and operative findings. The differential diagnosis between these and other lesions which originate in the internal auditory canal or in the cerebellopontine angle is discussed. It is suggested that an early onset of hearing loss associated with marked facial weakness and/or fasciculation in the presence of a normal amount of protein in the spinal fluid and a relatively small tumor in the internal auditory canal with or without extension into the cerbellopontine angle, seems to be the typical clinical picture of vascular space occupying lesions of the internal auditory canal. Since these lesions tend to be circumscribed, they are eminently suitable for complete removal, preferably with the use of microneurosurgical techniques.