Publication

Reversible pure word deafness due to inferior colliculi compression by a pineal germinoma in a young adult

Journal Paper/Review - Sep 9, 2015

Units
Keywords
Auditory agnosia; Inferior colliculus; Pineal germinoma; Pure word deafness; Quadrigeminal plate
Doi
Contact

Citation
Joswig H, Schönenberger U, Brügge D, Richter H, Surbeck W. Reversible pure word deafness due to inferior colliculi compression by a pineal germinoma in a young adult. Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery 2015; 139:62-65.
Type
Journal Paper/Review (English)
Journal
Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery 2015; 139
Publication Date
Sep 9, 2015
Pages
62-65
Brief description/objective

We report a clinical case of a 19-year-old male patient who developed pure word deafness due to the local compressive effect of a pineal germinoma on the inferior colliculi of the quadrigeminal plate. After percutaneous radiation therapy the size of the tumor decreased significantly, while audiometry demonstrated a complete regression of the auditory deficit. Since pure word deafness is commonly attributed to temporal lesions, the inferior colliculi represent an exceptional site for these symptoms. The pathophysiological background and the scarce literature on pure word deafness, especially the one related to neoplasms of the tectal region, are briefly discussed.