False-Positive Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Diagnosis of Vestibular Schwannoma

OBJECTIVE: To describe the case of a true false-positive finding on magnetic resonance imaging, mimicking a vestibular schwannoma, and review the pertinent literature. PATIENTS: The case of a single patient with a suspicion of a vestibular schwannoma. INTERVENTION: A middle fossa craniotomy was performed for resection of the presumed schwannoma. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Intraoperative findings and postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). RESULTS: : Intraoperative findings and a postoperative MRI confirm the absence of a neoplasm. CONCLUSION: False-positive findings on MRI, though rare, do occur. The clinician should have a high index of suspicion and consider reimaging in some cases.