Central auditory processing deficiency with anatomic deficit in left superior temporal lobe.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Describe the clinical presentation and treatment of a patient with central auditory processing deficiency associated with an anatomic deficit in the left superior temporal lobe.

STUDY DESIGN

Case report.

METHODS

We report a case and the treatment of an 8-year-old boy with abnormal speech development and auditory processing disorder who was found to have a large cystic lesion of his left superior temporal lobe.

RESULTS

An otherwise healthy 8-year old male presented to our department with a history of abnormal speech development. He began acquiring speech at a normal rate until 18 months of age, when he stopped speaking and reverted to unintelligible babbling. At approximately 3 years of age, he began to re-acquire speech at a normal rate, beginning where he had stopped 18 months earlier. Upon work-up, it was discovered that he had a 2.7 x 2.9 x 4.5 cm cystic lesion in the left Sylvian fissure with no associated soft tissue component. Findings were most consistent with arachnoid cyst. Central auditory processing testing was abnormal, particularly regarding the patient's ability to manage competing auditory information.

CONCLUSIONS

Central auditory processing disorders are a diverse group of disorders. Regardless of etiology, management focuses on modifying those factors that most affect the individual in an attempt to enhance the access to auditory information.