[Cholesterol granuloma of the petrous apex--etiology, diagnosis and therapy].

BACKGROUND: In the past cholesterol granuloma has been described as an innocuous disease in the mastoid air cells related to an obstruction of the air source to a normally pneumatized cavity due to chronic inflammation. Cholesterol granuloma of the petrous apex has since been recognized as a distinct clinical entity that may cause severe cranial nerve problems and which thus demands adequate surgical treatment. CASE REPORT: Diagnosis and surgical management are discussed on the basis of two typical case studies and a review of the literature.