Meningeal carcinomatosis manifested as bilateral progressive sensorineural hearing loss
Journal
American Journal of Otology
Journal Volume
21
Journal Issue
4
Date Issued
2000-07-01
Author(s)
Shen, Ting Yi
Abstract
Objective: Meningeal carcinomatosis is defined as the diffuse infiltration of the leptomeninges and subarachnoid space by malignant cells metastasizing from systemic cancer. The authors describe a rare case of meningeal carcinomatosis initially appearing as bilateral progressive sensorineural hearing loss. Patient: A 57-year-old man with lung cancer was referred to the authors' clinic because of progressive hearing loss, tinnitus, dizziness, and blurred vision for 1 month. Results: Magnetic resonance imaging revealed abnormal leptomeningeal enhancement. Meningeal carcinomatosis was diagnosed by the detection of malignant cells in the cerebrospinal fluid after lumbar puncture. The patient died 1 year after diagnosis. Conclusions: Meningeal carcinomatosis must be considered in the differential diagnosis in cancer patients with bilateral progressive sensorineural hearing loss. Gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging is a useful complementary diagnostic tool before lumbar puncture.
Subjects
Lung cancer | Meningeal carcinomatosis | Sensorineural hearing loss
Type
journal article