Contralateral Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss After Resection Of Petroclival Meningioma

Contralateral sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) occurring after cerebellopontine surgery is rare [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] [12] [13] [14] [15] [16] [17]. Presentation of petroclival meningioma followed by contralateral SNHL as a result of cerebellopontine surgery is quite uncommon, with only one case being previously reported [17]. Petroclival meningiomas are tumors containing dural attachments to the petroclival synchondrosis, typically near the upper two-thirds of the clivus, originating near the petroclival suture. Neighboring structures can be compromised, including the internal auditory meatus and Meckel cave, brainstem. Petroclinal meningiomas account for 2 % of all meningiomas [18]. Even though these tumors are slow growing, they can become quite large by the time symptoms arise. Subtotal resection can also lead to tumor recurrence. However, total resection poses a significant risk to the trochlear nerve if the tumor contains a supratentorial extension, especially when using the retrosigmoid approach. Centralis nerves 3, 5, 6 and 7 can be injured postoperatively. Contralateral SNHL would be detrimental to patients who have already experienced hearing loss due to petroclival meningiomas near the internal auditory meatus and can be injured after surgery. Thus, understanding the cause of contralateral SNHL and its treatment are both very critical. Here, we report and analyze this case to further elaborate on the causes of this rare, potentially catastrophic complication.