Hostname: page-component-78c5997874-dh8gc Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-10T11:37:47.018Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Sudden onset bilateral sensorineural hearing loss: a manifestation of occult breast carcinoma

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  08 March 2006

H. S. Uppal
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Russells Hall Hospital, Dudley, UK
C. A. Ayshford
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Russells Hall Hospital, Dudley, UK
F. Wilson
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Russells Hall Hospital, Dudley, UK

Abstract

Diffuse infiltration of the meninges by metastatic carcinoma (meningeal carcinomastosis) is a potential complication of systemic malignancy. It may present with a variety of neurological symptoms as any aspect of the neuraxis can be affected. Often there is a history of pre-existing malignancy.

The authors describe a case with an initial presentation of sudden onset profound bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. The underlying pathology was found to be an occult breast carcinoma, a previously unreported finding.

The role of cerebrospinal fluid cytology and radio-imaging in diagnosis is discussed. All previously reported cases of sudden hearing loss and meningeal carcinomatosis are reviewed.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
© Royal Society of Medicine Press Limited 2001

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)