Meningeal carcinomatosis manifested as bilateral progressive sensorineural hearing loss
Shen, T.Y.; Young, Y.H.
American Journal of Otology 21(4): 510-512
2000
ISSN/ISBN: 0192-9763 PMID: 10912696 Document Number: 512559
Meningeal carcinomatosis is defined as the diffuse infiltration of the leptomeninges and subarachnoid space by malignant cells metastasizing from systemic cancer. The authors describe a rare case of meningeal carcinomatosis initially appearing as bilateral progressive sensorineural hearing loss. A 57-year-old man with lung cancer was referred to the authors' clinic because of progressive hearing loss, tinnitus, dizziness, and blurred vision for 1 month. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed abnormal leptomeningeal enhancement. Meningeal carcinomatosis was diagnosed by the detection of malignant cells in the cerebrospinal fluid after lumbar puncture. The patient died 1 year after diagnosis. Meningeal carcinomatosis must be considered in the differential diagnosis in cancer patients with bilateral progressive sensorineural hearing loss. Gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging is a useful complementary diagnostic tool before lumbar puncture.