Abstract
Objectives
1) To retrospectively review the pathophysiology and radiologic features of delayed facial palsy after stapedectomy. 2) To discuss the management strategy of this unusual problem.
Methods
450 stapedectomies performed at our institution were retrospectively reviewed from 1997 to 2007. A total of 2 patients in this series developed a delayed facial paralysis postoperatively. The clinical presentation, radiographic characteristics on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and the management of these patients are presented.
Results
A total of 2 patients out of 450 stapedectomies within a 10-year period developed the rare complication of delayed facial paralysis (postoperative days 12 and 41, respectively). Both patients developed rapidly progressive complete facial nerve paralysis preceded by periauricular pain and dysguesia. No sign of infection was present in the operated ear. MRI with gadolinium of the internal auditory canal demonstrated gadolinium enhancement of the labyrinthine portion of the facial nerve as seen in Bell's palsy. Both patients were treated with oral corticosteroids and antiviral medications. Subsequent imaging revealed decreased enhancement of the facial nerve with complete resolution of facial paralysis.
Conclusions
In the rare complication of delayed facial paralysis after stapedectomy, MR imaging is a useful diagnostic tool to dictate the treatment strategy. Delayed facial paralysis following stapedectomy can be treated medically when the MRI scan demonstrates enhancement of the facial nerve in the labyrinthine segment.
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