Posterior fossa arachnoid cysts can mimic Meniere's disease

Am J Otolaryngol. 2003 Nov-Dec;24(6):420-5. doi: 10.1016/s0196-0709(03)00097-8.

Abstract

Arachnoid cysts constitute 1% of all intracranial space-occupying lesions. In the posterior fossa, they typically produce vague, nonspecific symptoms. However, a subset of these lesions can produce signs and symptoms indistinguishable from those of Meniere's disease. We discuss the clinical and laboratory features of 2 cases of posterior fossa arachnoid cysts mimicking Meniere's disease as well as the substantial resolution of symptoms in 1 patient after cysto-peritoneal shunt. Posterior fossa arachnoid cyst must be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with signs and symptoms of Meniere's disease.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Arachnoid Cysts / complications*
  • Arachnoid Cysts / diagnosis*
  • Arachnoid Cysts / therapy
  • Ataxia / etiology
  • Audiometry, Pure-Tone
  • Audiometry, Speech
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Electronystagmography
  • Female
  • Hearing Loss, Sensorineural / etiology
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Meniere Disease / diagnosis*
  • Middle Aged
  • Tinnitus / etiology
  • Vertigo / etiology