False-positive magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of vestibular schwannoma

Otol Neurotol. 2008 Dec;29(8):1176-8. doi: 10.1097/MAO.0b013e318187e199.

Abstract

Objective: To describe the case of a true false-positive finding on magnetic resonance imaging, mimicking a vestibular schwannoma, and review the pertinent literature.

Patients: The case of a single patient with a suspicion of a vestibular schwannoma.

Intervention: A middle fossa craniotomy was performed for resection of the presumed schwannoma.

Main outcome measures: Intraoperative findings and postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Results: : Intraoperative findings and a postoperative MRI confirm the absence of a neoplasm.

Conclusion: False-positive findings on MRI, though rare, do occur. The clinician should have a high index of suspicion and consider reimaging in some cases.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Craniotomy
  • False Positive Reactions*
  • Female
  • Hearing Loss / etiology
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Middle Aged
  • Neuroma, Acoustic / pathology*
  • Neuroma, Acoustic / surgery
  • Tinnitus / etiology
  • Treatment Outcome