External auditory canal meningioma: imaging features in a series of three cases.

BACKGROUND: Direct extension of an intracranial meningioma to involve the temporal bone is rare. Recognised sites of origin and routes of access to the middle ear and labyrinthine apparatus have been described. Direct spread through the temporal bone to primarily involve the external auditory canal has not been widely reported in the literature.

CASE REPORTS: This paper discusses clinical and radiological findings in three cases of temporal bone meningioma presenting as masses within the external auditory canal.

CONCLUSION: Diagnosing temporal meningioma can be challenging because of its rarity and the often non-specific clinical and histological findings. It is important for both the surgeon and radiologist to be aware of the diagnosis and its related imaging findings in order to facilitate a timely diagnosis.