1.
List the differential diagnosis of cerebellopontine angle (CPA) mass.
2.
Describe audiogram and ABR findings in CPA lesions.
3.
Differentiate the radiologic features of acoustic neuromas (ANs) vs. meningioma vs. epidermoid.vs. arachnoid cyst.
4.
In the age of MRI, is there a role for ABR in the diagnosis of AN’s?
5.
Discuss the histopathology of ANs.
6.
Tell us about acoustic neuromas in neurofibromatosis.
7.
Discuss the natural history of ANs. Is “Wait-and-Scan” a reasonable management choice? How many patients will eventually need treatment?
Reference(s):
Battaglia, A., Mastrodimos, B., & Cueva, R. (2006). Comparison of growth patterns of acoustic neuromas with and without radiosurgery. Otology & Neurotology : Official Publication of the American Otological Society, American Neurotology Society [and] European Academy of Otology and Neurotology, 27(5), 705–712.
8.
Discuss the management of NF2 patients.
Reference(s):
Cueva, R. A. (2004). Auditory brainstem response versus magnetic resonance imaging for the evaluation of asymmetric sensorineural hearing loss. The Laryngoscope, 114(10), 1686–1692.
9.
Discuss translabyrinth, retrosigmoid and middle fossa approaches-indications, advantages and disadvantages of each.
10.
How do patients fare after AN surgery?
11.
Discuss the role radiotherapy in management of ANs. What are the advantages? What are the disadvantages?
12.
Patients who fail radiosurgery: what are their options?
Reference(s):
Battista R.A. (2009). Gamma knife radiosurgery for vestibular schwannoma. Otolaryngol Clin North Am, 42(4):635-54.
Wise, S.C., Carlson, M.L., Tveiten, Ø.V., Driscoll, C.l., et al. Surgical salvage of recurrent vestibular schwannoma following prior sterotactic radiosurgery. Laryngoscope, 126(11), 2580-2586.