Presentation
Recurrent left facial nerve palsy
Patient Data
Age: 40 years
Gender: Female
From the case:
Facial nerve schwannoma
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A nodular enhancing lesion, measuring approx. 3 x 5 x 3mm (AP x TD x CC) is seen involving left facial nerve geniculate ganglion. Suspicion of the lesion was made on axial FIESTA images.
From the case:
Facial nerve schwannoma
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Corresponding complimentary CT shows widening and remodeling of left bony facial canal in same region.
Case Discussion
Above findings are suggestive of facial nerve schwannoma.
Bell's palsy would can show enhancement along the geniculate ganglion, however, it wouldn't cause widening.
Facial nerve hemangioma can show similar nodular enhancement of the geniculate ganglion, however it would show permeative osteolysis rather than widening and remodeling of bony facial canal.
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