Cerebellopontine angle lipomatous hamartoma of nerve: case report

Cerebellopontine angle lipoma has been previously described in 21 patients and is frequently unresectable. An intracanalicular lipomatous hamartoma in a 60-year-old male is presented. MRI enabled a correct preoperative diagnosis to be made. Complete surgical excision, without major neurologic deficit was achieved. A review of the literature reveals that the tumor is frequently infiltrative, especially when vascular elements are prominent. The histologic characteristics and the hamartomatous nature of the lesion are discussed.