The evaluation of middle ear meningiomas using computerized axial tomography.

Meningiomas localized within the middle ear and mastoid which have no intracranial component are rare tumors. Three patients with meningiomas which were thought to involve only the middle ear were treated surgically, were followed for two to six years and were thought to have been cured. However, when computerized axial tomography became clinically available, these patients were examined using this radiographic technique. Unexpectedly, all three patients were found to have a large intracranial meningiomatous extension. A review of the literature reveals only 13 primary meningiomas; these case reports are summarized. It was noted that definitive tests for an intracranial extension of the meningioma were performed in only 2 of the 13 cases. Therefore, in view of our recent clinical experience, it is recommended that a patient presenting with a middle ear meningioma should have a computerized axial tomographic examination of the head to detect the possible presence of a clinical silent intracranial involvement.