[Early diagnosis of acoustic neurinomas with computed tomography and air meatography. A comparison to meatography with lipid contrast medium (author's transl)].

Large acoustic neurinomas invading the cerebellopontine angle can be visualized in the computerized tomogram when intravenous contrast medium is used. Additionally, the filing of both the cerebellopontine angle and internal auditory canal with air has been recommended for the detection of small neurinomas which are limited to the canal. A comparative study was conducted on 54 patients using both air-meatography and cisterno-meatography with a positive lipid contrast medium (Duroliopaque). Eight tumors could be recognized by the method. Although both methods have approximately the same diagnostic value, we prefer the use of computed tomography with air-meatography because of its particular advantages as described.