[Cholesterol Granuloma of the Petrous Apex--etiology, Diagnosis and Therapy]

Background: In the past cholesterol granuloma has been described as an innocuous disease in the mastoid air cells related to an obstruction of the air source to a normally pneumatized cavity due to chronic inflammation. Cholesterol granuloma of the petrous apex has since been recognized as a distinct clinical entity that may cause severe cranial nerve problems and which thus demands adequate surgical treatment.

Case Report: Diagnosis and surgical management are discussed on the basis of two typical case studies and a review of the literature.