Petrous face meningiomas

Abstract

Cerebellopontine angle (CPA) meningiomas arise from the petrous face of the temporal bone, which forms the lateral boundary of the CPA. They can be categorized into anterior, middle, and posterior, based on their attachment in relation to the internal acoustic meatus. Each of them presents with their own characteristic clinical syndromes. Because of their close proximity to neurovascular structures, they pose a challenge during surgery. Microsurgery remains the primary treatment modality for large and symptomatic meningiomas. The retrosigmoid approach provides an ideal access for most of the tumors in this location. Radiosurgery is the primary modality of adjuvant therapy for residual, recurrent, and small lesions. Fully fractionated external beam radiotherapy can be used for larger, broader-based residual/recurrent tumors. Management of these complex lesions should include patient preferences and a team approach, including a skull base neurosurgeon, neurotologist, and radiation oncologist.

Keywords: Cerebellopontine angle; Cranial nerve; Internal auditory canal; Meningioma; Petrous; Petrous face; Posterior fossa.