Endoscopic transsphenoidal approach to petrous apex cholesterol granulomas

Abstract

Cholesterol granulomas of the petrous apex are inflammatory reactions due to obstruction of air cells within the petrous apex. We report two cases of petrous apex cholesterol granulomas that were treated via the endoscopic transsphenoidal route. The transsphenoidal approach is minimally invasive, preserves hearing and drains these cysts into the sphenoid sinus. We consider this approach to be the technique of choice for a cholesterol granuloma that abuts sphenoid sinus.

Key words:

• Cholesterol granuloma
• transsphenoidal approach
• petrous apex
• sensorineural hearing loss

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.