Otology & neurotology : official publication of the American Otological Society, American Neurotology Society [and] European Academy of Otology and Neurotology
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High-resolution temporal bone computed tomography (CT) may erroneously demonstrate a superior semicircular canal dehiscence (SSCD) where none exists and inaccurately display the size of a dehiscence. ⋯ These findings confirm that medical CT cannot be used as the exclusive gold standard for SSCD and that, particularly for small dehiscences on CT, clinical symptoms must be clearly indicative of a dehiscence before surgical treatment is undertaken. Preoperative counseling for small dehiscences may need to include the possibility that no dehiscence may be found despite radiologic evidence for it.
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To examine hearing preservation rates, facial nerve outcomes, and tumor recurrence rates in patients with neurofibromatosis Type 2 undergoing a primary middle cranial fossa approach for vestibular schwannoma removal. ⋯ In patients with neurofibromatosis Type 2, proactive treatment of smaller tumors provides a chance to maintain serviceable hearing and obtain tumor control for extended periods. When examining hearing outcomes, it is important to use word recognition scores, in addition to American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery hearing class, to better assess functionality. Although facial nerve outcomes tend to be favorable, the growth of new tumors, including facial schwannomas, may occur within the surgical field. Continued surveillance with serial magnetic resonance scans after surgery is mandatory.