Retro-tympanic pulsatile mass originating from dumb-bell jugular foramen schwannoma.

Background: Jugular foramen (JF) tumours are uncommon with paraganglioma, schwannoma and meningioma occurring most commonly in this location. JF schwannoma with extension to the retro-tympanic area has been described only once.

Methods: 20-year-old man presented with headache, blurred vision, vomiting and diplopia.

Findings: A left pulsatile retro-tympanic mass was seen at otoscopy. A jugular foramen tumour was found on CT and MR images. The intracranial portion of the tumour later diagnosed as schwannoma was removed. Control ENT examination confirmed that the residual retro-tympanic mass was no-longer pulsatile.

Conclusions: Jugular foramen schwannomas may also extend into the retro-tympanic area.