scholarly journals Extended Anterolateral Infralabyrinthine Transjugular Approach for Microsurgical Resection of Giant Glomus Vagale Tumor: Operative Video and Technical Nuances

Author(s):  
James K. Liu ◽  
Kevin Zhao ◽  
Soly Baredes ◽  
Robert W. Jyung

AbstractGlomus vagale tumor is a paraganglioma of the vagus nerve. It is a rare type of benign tumor that occupies the head and neck and skull base regions. Patients often present with lower cranial nerve dysfunctions such as difficulty swallowing, tongue weakness, and hoarseness. Surgical treatment can be complex and difficult due to its high vascularity, frequent involvement of lower cranial nerves, and surrounding critical vascular structures. In this operative video, we demonstrate an extended anterolateral infralabyrinthine transjugular approach for microsurgical resection of a giant glomus vagale tumor in a 53-year-old male who presented with an enlarging neck mass, difficulty swallowing, right tongue weakness, and hoarseness. Imaging revealed a giant glomus vagale tumor in the right parapharyngeal space extending into the jugular foramen with occlusion of the internal jugular vein. After preoperative embolization, the patient underwent a near-total resection of the tumor with a small microscopic residual at the pars nervosa. In summary, the extended anterolateral infralabyrinthine transjugular approach is a useful strategy for removal of giant glomus vagale tumors extending into the skull base. The surgical technique and nuances are described in a step-by-step fashion in this illustrative operative video.The link to the video can be found at: https://youtu.be/L0EosQK95LE.

2011 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-23 ◽  
Author(s):  
C Rayappa

ABSTRACT Jugular foramen tumors are rare cranial base lesions that present diagnostic and management difficulties. Paragangliomas were the most frequent lesions, followed by schwannomas and meningiomas. These tumors have characteristic radiological features. Radical resection of these tumors with preservation of the lower cranial nerves is the treatment of choice. Despite the advances in skull base surgery, new postoperative lower cranial nerve deficits still represent a challenge.


Author(s):  
Gregg MacLean ◽  
Alan Guberman ◽  
Antonio Giulivi

ABSTRACT:Dysarthria, dysphagia and repeated aspiration in a 54-year-old woman diagnosed and treated for myasthenia gravis 7 years earlier were initially thought to represent a late exacerbation of myasthenia. A cervical mass invading the jugular foramen and causing multiple lower cranial nerve palsies was biopsied and found to represent invasive ectopic thymoma.


1995 ◽  
Vol 104 (1) ◽  
pp. 57-61 ◽  
Author(s):  
Essam Saleh ◽  
Maged Naguib ◽  
Yasar Cokkeser ◽  
Miguel Aristegui ◽  
Mario Sanna

With advances in the lateral approaches to the skull base and the increasing success of the management of jugular foramen lesions, a thorough knowledge of the anatomy of this region is needed. The purpose of the present work is to study the detailed microsurgical anatomy of the lower skull base and the jugular foramen area as seen through the lateral approaches. Forty preserved skull base specimens and 5 fresh cadavers were dissected. The shape of the jugular bulb and its relationship to nearby structures were recorded. The different venous connections of the bulb were noted. The hypoglossal canal was identified and its contents were observed. The lower cranial nerves were studied at the level of the upper neck, at their exit from the inferior skull base, and in the jugular foramen. The results of the present study showed the complex and variable anatomy of this area. The classic compartments of the jugular foramen were not always present. Cranial nerves IX through XI followed different patterns while passing through the jugular foramen, being separated from the jugular bulb by bone, thick fibrous tissue, or thin connective tissue.


Author(s):  
Pamela Shaw ◽  
David Hilton-Jones

Disorders affecting the lower cranial nerves – V (trigeminal), VII (facial), IX (glossopharyngeal), X (vagus), XI (accessory) and XII (hypoglossal) – are discussed in the first part of this chapter. The clinical neuroanatomy of each nerve is described in detail, as are disorders – often in the form of lesions – for each nerve.Trigeminal nerve function may be affected by supranuclear, nuclear, or peripheral lesions. Because of the wide anatomical distribution of the components of the trigeminal nerve, complete interruption of both the motor and sensory parts is rarely observed in practice. However, partial involvement of the trigeminal nerve, particularly the sensory component, is relatively common, the main symptoms being numbness and pain. Reactivation of herpes zoster in the trigeminal nerve (shingles) can cause pain and a rash. Trigeminal neuralgia and sensory neuropathy are also discussed.Other disorders of the lower cranial nerves include Bell’s palsy, hemifacial spasm and glossopharyngeal neuralgia. Cavernous sinus, Tolosa–Hunt syndrome, jugular foramen syndrome and polyneuritis cranialis are caused by the involvement of more than one lower cranial nerve.Difficulty in swallowing, or dysphagia, is a common neurological problem and the most important consequences include aspiration and malnutrition (Wiles 1991). The process of swallowing is a complex neuromuscular activity, which allows the safe transport of material from the mouth to the stomach for digestion, without compromising the airway. It involves the synergistic action of at least 32 pairs of muscles and depends on the integrity of sensory and motor pathways of several cranial nerves; V, VII, IX, X, and XII. In neurological practice dysphagia is most often seen in association with other, obvious, neurological problems. Apart from in oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy, it is relatively rare as a sole presenting symptom although occasionally this is seen in motor neurone disease, myasthenia gravis, and inclusion body myositis. Conversely, in general medical practice, there are many mechanical or structural disorders which may have dysphagia as the presenting feature. In some of the disorders, notably motor neurone disease, both upper and lower motor neurone dysfunction may contribute to the dysphagia. Once dysphagia has been identified as a real or potential problem, the patient should undergo expert evaluation by a clinician and a speech therapist, prior to any attempt at feeding. Videofluoroscopy may be required. If there is any doubt it is best to achieve adequate nutrition through the use of a fine-bore nasogastric tube and to periodically reassess swallowing. Anticholinergic drugs may be helpful to reduce problems with excess saliva and drooling that occur in patients with neurological dysphagia, and a portable suction apparatus may be helpful. Difficulty in clearing secretions from the throat may be helped by the administration of a mucolytic agent such as carbocisteine or provision of a cough assist device.


2004 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 31-40 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ricardo Ramina ◽  
Joao Jarney Maniglia ◽  
Yvens Barbosa Fernandes ◽  
Jorge Rizzato Paschoal ◽  
Leopoldo Nizan Pfeilsticker ◽  
...  

Object Jugular foramen tumors are rare skull base lesions that present diagnostic and complex management problems. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a series of patients with jugular foramen tumors who were surgically treated in the past 16 years, and to analyze the surgical technique, complications, and outcomes. Methods The authors retrospectively studied 102 patients with jugular foramen tumors treated between January 1987 and May 2004. All patients underwent surgery with a multidisciplinary method combining neurosurgical and ear, nose, and throat techniques. Preoperative embolization was performed for paragangliomas and other highly vascularized lesions. To avoid postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage and to improve cosmetic results, the surgical defect was reconstructed with specially developed vascularized flaps (temporalis fascia, cervical fascia, sternocleidomastoid muscle, and temporalis muscle). A saphenous graft bypass was used in two patients with tumor infiltrating the internal carotid artery (ICA). Facial nerve reconstruction was performed with grafts of the great auricular nerve or with 12th/seventh cranial nerve anastomosis. Residual malignant and invasive tumors were irradiated after partial removal. The most common tumor was paraganglioma (58 cases), followed by schwannomas (17 cases) and meningiomas (10 cases). Complete excision was possible in 45 patients (77.5%) with paragangliomas and in all patients with schwannomas. The most frequent and also the most dangerous surgical complication was lower cranial nerve deficit. This deficit occurred in 10 patients (10%), but it was transient in four cases. Postoperative facial and cochlear nerve paralysis occurred in eight patients (8%); spontaneous recovery occurred in three of them. In the remaining five patients the facial nerve was reconstructed using great auricular nerve grafts (three cases), sural nerve graft (one case), and hypoglossal/facial nerve anastomosis (one case). Four patients (4%) experienced postoperative CSF leakage, and four (4.2%) died after surgery. Two of them died of aspiration pneumonia complicated with septicemia. Of the remaining two, one died of pulmonary embolism and the other of cerebral hypoxia caused by a large cervical hematoma that led to tracheal deviation. Conclusions Paragangliomas are the most common tumors of the jugular foramen region. Surgical management of jugular foramen tumors is complex and difficult. Radical removal of benign jugular foramen tumors is the treatment of choice, may be curative, and is achieved with low mortality and morbidity rates. Larger lesions can be radically excised in one surgical procedure by using a multidisciplinary approach. Reconstruction of the skull base with vascularized myofascial flaps reduces postoperative CSF leaks. Postoperative lower cranial nerves deficits are the most dangerous complication.


1998 ◽  
Vol 112 (11) ◽  
pp. 1052-1057 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. M. Myatt ◽  
N. J. Holland ◽  
A. D. Cheesman

AbstractThe case of a 43-year-old man with a right skull base hypoglossal neurilemmoma excised via the extended posterolateral approach is presented. There is only one previous case of hypoglossal neurilemmoma in the literature. The surgical technique described is a new approach to the posterior skull base involving a suboccipital craniectomy, mastoidectomy and the removal of the lateral process of the atlas. It provides an inferior approach to the jugular foramen and hypoglossal canal that allows the lower cranial nerves to be identified as they exit from their skull base foraminae. In the discussion we compare this technique to other surgical approaches previously described for access to the region of the jugular foramen.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cristina Toledo-Gotor ◽  
Nerea Gorría ◽  
Miren Oscoz ◽  
Katia Llano ◽  
Pablo la Fuente Rodríguez-de ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Multiple lower cranial nerve palsies have been attributed to occipital condyle fractures in older children and adults, but no clinical details of other possible mechanisms have been described in infants. Case Report A 33-month-old boy suffered blunt head trauma. A bilateral skull base fracture was diagnosed, with favorable outcome during the first days after trauma. On the sixth day, the patient began to refuse drinking and developed hoarseness. Physical examination and additional investigations revealed paralysis of left VII, IX, X, and XI cranial nerves. A follow-up computed tomography (CT) scan disclosed a left petrous bone fracture involving the lateral margin of the jugular foramen, and a cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study showed a left cerebellar tonsil contusion. He improved after methylprednisolone was started. Three months later, he was asymptomatic, although mild weakness and atrophy of the left sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles remained 1 year later. Discussion A posttraumatic “jugular foramen syndrome” is rare in children, but it has been reported shortly after occipital condyle fracture, affecting mainly IX, X, and XI cranial nerves. In this toddler, delayed symptoms appeared with unilateral involvement. While an occipital fracture was ruled out, neuroimaging findings suggest the hypothesis of a focal contusion as a consequence of a coup-contrecoup injury. Conclusion This exceptional case highlights the importance of gathering physical examination, anatomical correlation, and neuroimaging to yield a diagnosis.


Author(s):  
Pinar E. Ocak ◽  
Selcuk Yilmazlar

Abstract Objectives This study aimed to demonstrate resection of a craniovertebral junction (CVJ) meningioma via the posterolateral approach. Design The study is designed with a two-dimensional operative video. Setting This study is conducted at department of neurosurgery in a university hospital. Participants A 50-year-old woman who presented with lower cranial nerve findings due to a left-sided lower clival meningioma (Fig. 1). Main Outcome Measures Microsurgical resection of the meningioma and preservation of the neurovascular structures. Results The patient was placed in park-bench position and a left-sided retrosigmoid suboccipital craniotomy, followed by C1 hemilaminectomy and unroofing the lip of the foramen magnum, was performed. The dural incision extended from the suboccipital region down to the posterior arch of C2 (Fig. 2). The arachnoid overlying the tumor was incised, revealing the course of the cranial nerve (CN) XI on the dorsolateral aspect of the tumor. The left vertebral artery (VA) was encased by the tumor which was originating from the dura below the jugular foramen. The mass was resected in a piecemeal fashion eventually. At the end of the procedure, all relevant cranial nerves and adjacent vascular structures were intact. Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirmed total resection and the patient was discharged home on postoperative day 3 safely. Conclusions Microsurgical resection of the lesions of the CVJ are challenging as this transition zone between the cranium and upper cervical spine has a complex anatomy. Since adequate exposure of the extradural and intradural segments of the VA can be obtained by the posterolateral approach, this approach can be preferred in cases with tumors anterior to the VA or when the artery is encased by the tumor.The link to the video can be found at: https://youtu.be/d3u5Qrc-zlM.


2006 ◽  
Vol 58 (suppl_4) ◽  
pp. ONS-189-ONS-201 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Sinclair ◽  
Michael E. Kelly ◽  
Gary K. Steinberg

Abstract Objective: Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) involving the cerebellum and brainstem are relatively rare lesions that most often present clinically as a result of a hemorrhagic episode. Although these AVMs were once thought to have a more aggressive clinical course in comparison with supratentorial AVMs, recent autopsy data suggests that there may be little difference in hemorrhage rates between the two locations. Although current management of these lesions often involves preoperative embolization and stereotactic radiosurgery, surgical resection remains the treatment of choice, conferring immediate protection to the patient from the risk of future hemorrhage. Methods: Most symptomatic AVMs that involve the cerebellum and the pial or ependymal surfaces of the brainstem are candidates for surgical resection. Preoperative angiography and magnetic resonance imaging studies are critical to determine suitability for resection and choice of operative exposure. In addition to considering the location of the nidus, arterial supply, and predominant venous drainage, the surgical approach must also be selected with consideration of the small confines of the posterior fossa and eloquence of the brainstem, cranial nerves, and deep cerebellar nuclei. Results: Since the 1980s, progressive advances in preoperative embolization, frameless stereotaxy, and intraoperative electrophysiologic monitoring have significantly improved the number of posterior fossa AVMs amenable to microsurgical resection with minimal morbidity and mortality. Conclusion: Future improvements in endovascular technology and stereotactic radiosurgery will likely continue to increase the number of posterior fossa AVMs that can safely be removed and further improve the clinical outcomes associated with microsurgical resection.


Author(s):  
K.D. Langdon ◽  
D. Krivosheya ◽  
M.O. Hebb ◽  
B. Wehrli ◽  
L.C. Ang

Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma (PXA) is a rare tumour comprising <1% of all primary central nervous system tumours and the majority (~98%) occur supratentorially. We report on a 40-year-old female with a past medical history of a rare posterior fossa/cerebellar PXA who presented with a right-sided neck mass, decreased shoulder power and longstanding right tongue deviation with right-sided hemi-atrophy. The patient had prior tumour debulking. Recent MRI demonstrated an enhancing posterior fossa mass extending to the skull base at the jugular foramen and another mass in the upper neck along the jugular bulb with displacement and encasement of the right common carotid artery down to C5. Resection of the neck mass reveals an anaplastic PXA. The tumour has close approximation with adjacent peripheral nerves and is positive in 2 lymph nodes. Comparison with the original tumour molecular and immunohistochemical profiles reveals a conserved BRAF V600E mutation but the transformed malignant glioma now expresses dot-like EMA positivity and ATRX is completely lost (mutated). Transformation of a PXA (WHO Grade II) into an anaplastic PXA (WHO Grade III) has been well documented, but extracranial extension is extraordinarily rare. We report herein the first documented case of a posterior fossa PXA that underwent malignant transformation and extracranial invasion to the parapharyngeal space.


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