[Arachnoid cyst with consecutive brain stem atrophy, hypoglossal nerve paresis and tongue atrophy]

A case of idiopathic isolated hypoglossal nerve palsy in a Korean child

Hypoglossal nerve palsy (HNP) is an uncommon neurological abnormality that can provoke characteristic clinical signs, including unilateral atrophy of the tongue musculature. We present the case of a healthy 11-year-old Korean male who was admitted to the outpatient department of our institution with acute onset dysarthria, tongue fasciculations, and right-sided tongue weakness upon awakening. His evaluation included a virology work-up, neck magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), brain MRI, and otorhinolaryngological physical examination; all tests were normal and showed no evidence of inflammation. Fifteen days after the onset of symptoms, the patient recovered completely. Herein, we report a case of idiopathic isolated HNP in a Korean male.

Arachnoid cyst of the cerebellopontine angle associated with gliosis of the eighth cranial nerve

The clinical syndrome produced by a cyst in the cerebellopontine angle (CPA) may closely mimic that of an acoustic neuroma, with sensorineural hearing loss, impaired corneal reflex, and cerebellar signs with increased intracranial pressure. Facial palsy is seldom reported. Gliosis of the eighth nerve is common but its association with CPA arachnoid cyst is very rare and not previously reported. We report a patient with a CPA arachnoid cyst associated with gliosis of the eighth cranial nerve. He presented with right peripheral facial palsy, and gliosis of the eighth nerve was diagnosed intraoperatively. CPA arachnoid cysts should be included in the differential diagnosis of peripheral facial palsy and the eighth cranial nerve should be examined during the resection and fenestration of the arachnoid cyst.