Meatal Segment of facial nerve and cavernous hemangioma

Cavernous malformations of the internal auditory canal (IAC) are a rare clinical entity. We report a rare case of cavernous hemangioma involving the internal auditory canal and the meatal segment of the facial nerve without any evident lesion to the cerebello-pontine angle and geniculate ganglion. In English language literature several studies have described cavernous malformations of the IAC, but only a few authors have described a facial nerve origin for this type of lesion. Removal of the entire lesion was achieved via the surgical resection of the facial nerve and facial nerve continuity was restored using a great auricular nerve graft. Optimal postoperative facial function recovery was reported.