50-year-old male with left facial droop. Evaluate the left facial nerve. There is an apparent punctate focus of high signal on the diffusion weighted sequence in the lateral portion of the left internal auditory canal. Otherwise, there is no evidence of a mass or abnormal enhancement. The inner ear structures, including the cochlea, vestibule, endolymphatic duct, and semicircular canals, appear unremarkable. The bilateral mastoid air cells and middle ears also appear unremarkable. There is a left ocular prosthesis.
Apparent punctate focus of high signal on the diffusion weighted sequence in the lateral portion of the left internal auditory canal without evidence of a corresponding abnormality on the other images may represent artifact or perhaps a recent ischemic event involving the left facial nerve. Otherwise, no discernible evidence of a mass or abnormal enhancement. I personally reviewed the Images and/or procedure with the Resident/Fellow and agree with this report.