Jasmine VAN DE KERKHOF, Ellen VERMAETE, Robert HERMANS, Elke LOOS, Nicolas VERHAERT
The Journal of International Advanced Otology - 2026;22(1):1-6
Intracochlear and intravestibular lipomas are rare benign lesions that may clinically and radiologically mimic retrocochlear pathologies such as vestibular schwannomas. They typically present with progressive sensorineural hearing loss, tinnitus, or dizziness. Due to their rarity, optimal management strategies, particularly in pediatric patients, remain challenging and require individualized decision-making. We report the case of an 8-year-old girl who presented with progressive right-sided sensorineural hearing loss. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed an intravestibular lipoma extending into the cochlea. Considering the patient's young age and the potential for tumor growth, surgical excision was performed via a translabyrinthine approach. Simultaneous cochlear implantation was undertaken to facilitate auditory rehabilitation. Histopathological analysis was conducted to confirm the diagnosis.
