Gastrointestinal Symptoms—A Rare Complication of Untreated CPA Tumor

Abstract

Cerebellopontine angle (CPA) lesions account for up to 10% of all intracranial tumors. Most CPA tumors are benign, but can cause nerve damage or compress the surrounding structures if left untreated. The typical presentation is with adult-onset sensorineural hearing loss or non-pulsatile tinnitus. In some patients, this goes unnoticed, and presentation is delayed until the lesion is much larger and presents with symptoms related to mass effect. We present the case study of 63 years old gentleman, who had suspected left CPA lesion on CT head done few years ago for dizziness and left-sided facial numbness. MRI could not be done at that time due to his MRI incompatible pacemaker leading to delay in his management eventually causing loss of patient to the follow up. He later developed progressive difficulty in walking which was initially attributed to as secondary to vasovagal syncope and postural hypotension. He eventually presented to us with intractable nausea and vomiting, worsening headache and ataxia. He had an urgent CT head which showed significant growth in the lesion with compression of the surrounding structures and obstructive hydrocephalus. He was given steroids which improved his nausea and vomiting, followed by undergoing surgery in regional center leading to significant improvement in his gait within few days of surgery. He unfortunately continued to have a degree of ataxia and facial numbness. This case illustrates a rare presentation of CPA tumor with symptoms of nausea and vomiting as a result of mass effect of the growing tumor. In addition, this review also shows the importance of regularly following up the patients with suspected CPA lesions on initial scans which will help with identifying the increase in size of lesion promptly and potentially preventing advanced complications of CPA tumors. We suggest regular monitoring of these patients to timely manage the lesion and avoid the potential life-threatening complications.