Successful Microvascular Decompression For Trigeminal Neuralgia Secondary to a Persistent Trigeminal Artery

2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 18-22
Author(s):  
Shunchang Ma ◽  
Pankaj K Agarwalla ◽  
Harry R van Loveren ◽  
Siviero Agazzi
Keyword(s):  
Trigeminal Neuralgia ◽  
Trigeminal Nerve ◽  
Microvascular Decompression ◽  
Vascular Anatomy ◽  
Superior Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Persistent Trigeminal Artery ◽  
Trigeminal Artery ◽  
3 Dimensional ◽  
Endoscopic Video ◽  
Operative Microscope

Abstract BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE Persistent trigeminal artery (PTA) is a rare but important anatomic variant that contributes to trigeminal neuralgia (TN). Microvascular decompression (MVD) of the responsible vessel(s) away from the trigeminal nerve provides the most complete and durable relief from TN. The role and technique of MVD for TN associated with a PTA has not been fully defined in the literature. Furthermore, assessment of PTA anatomy intraoperatively with a microscope is challenging. We report the first 3-dimensional (3D) microscopic video and first intraoperative endoscopic video of a successful MVD of the trigeminal nerve in a patient who suffered TN from a tortuous, compressive PTA. CLINICAL PRESENTATION A 66-yr-old right-handed female presented with right facial pain in V2 and V3 distributions with a clinical picture of TN. Imaging demonstrated trigeminal nerve compression secondary to a PTA and MVD was performed with a 3D operative microscope and an endoscope. The PTA appeared to compress the nerve directly at the trigeminal porus and also had compressive superior cerebellar artery variant branches. The nerve was decompressed at all points of compression with Teflon pledgets along its entire cisternal length. Postoperatively, she is free with trigeminal pain episodes at 4-mo follow-up. CONCLUSION In cases of TN associated with a PTA, we recommend decompression along the entire length of the nerve wherever there is compression. Furthermore, we find both the operative microscope and particularly the endoscope useful to assess vascular anatomy intraoperatively.

Use of the Arachnoid Membrane of the Cerebellopontine Angle to Transpose the Superior Cerebellar Artery in Microvascular Decompression for Trigeminal Neuralgia: Technical Note

2010 ◽  
Vol 66 (suppl_1) ◽  
pp. ons-88-ons-91 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miran Skrap ◽  
Francesco Tuniz
Keyword(s):  
Pain Relief ◽  
Trigeminal Neuralgia ◽  
Trigeminal Nerve ◽  
Microvascular Decompression ◽  
Cerebellopontine Angle ◽  
Technical Note ◽  
Superior Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Arachnoid Membrane ◽  
Recurrent Pain ◽  
Cerebellar Artery

Abstract Background: Microvascular decompression is an accepted, safe, and useful surgical technique for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia. Autologous muscle or implant materials such as shredded Teflon are used to separate the vessel from the nerve but may occasionally be inadequate, become displaced or create adhesions and recurrent pain. Objective: The authors evaluated the use of arachnoid membrane of the cerebellopontine angle to maintain the transposition of vessels from the trigeminal nerve. Methods: The authors conducted a retrospective review of microvascular decompression operations in which the offending vessel was transposed and then retained by the arachnoid membrane of the cerebellopontine cistern, specifically by the lateral pontomesenchepalic membrane. Results: This technique was used in 30 patients of the most recently operated series. Postoperatively, complete pain relief was achieved in 90% of the patients without any observed surgical complications. Conclusion: To the authors’ knowledge this is the first report in which the arachnoid membrane is used in the microvascular decompression of the trigeminal nerve. While this technique can be used only for selected cases, the majority of the vascular compressions on the trigeminal nerve are due to the SCA, so this sling transposition technique can be useful and effective.

Persistent trigeminal artery supply to an intrinsic trigeminal nerve arteriovenous malformation: A rare cause of trigeminal neuralgia

2015 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 409-412 ◽  
Author(s):  
Omar Choudhri ◽  
Jeremy J. Heit ◽  
Abdullah H. Feroze ◽  
Steven D. Chang ◽  
Robert L. Dodd ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Trigeminal Neuralgia ◽  
Arteriovenous Malformation ◽  
Trigeminal Nerve ◽  
Persistent Trigeminal Artery ◽  
Trigeminal Artery

scholarly journals Intraoperative Management of an Enlarged Suprameatal Tubercle During Microvascular Decompression of the Trigeminal Nerve, Surgical and Anatomical Description: 2-Dimensional Operative Video

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (6) ◽  
pp. E247-E247
Author(s):  
Maria Peris-Celda ◽  
Avital Perry ◽  
Lucas P Carlstrom ◽  
Christopher S Graffeo ◽  
Michael J Link
Keyword(s):  
Trigeminal Neuralgia ◽  
Temporal Bone ◽  
Trigeminal Nerve ◽  
Microvascular Decompression ◽  
Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak ◽  
Superior Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Posterior Aspect ◽  
Root Entry Zone ◽  
Intraoperative Management ◽  
Rare Anatomic Variant

Abstract The suprameatal tubercle is a variable prominence of the posterior aspect of the petrous part of the temporal bone located above the internal acoustic meatus. An enlarged suprameatal tubercle (EST) may present an obstacle during posterior fossa operations, including microvascular decompression (MVD).  In this video we present the case of a 55-yr-old woman with 2 yr of medically refractory left V2-3 typical trigeminal neuralgia. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was suspicious for a compressive superior cerebellar artery (SCA) loop, and negative for any other pathological findings. A left retrosigmoid craniotomy was performed, and upon initial exploration, only the most proximal, superior aspect of the trigeminal nerve was unobscured by an EST. The EST was subsequently removed using the ultrasonic aspirator with bone cutting attachment, allowing full visualization of the nerve from root entry zone (REZ) to Meckel's cave. Inferiorly, a small EST remnant was left to protect the VII-VIII complex. An MVD was performed using Teflon felt to elevate the SCA loop off the REZ and nerve, which was then fully explored, to ensure complete decompression. The patient recovered well with resolved trigeminal neuralgia and no new deficit.  EST is a rare anatomic variant, with potentially significant implications for visualization of structures superior and deep to the internal acoustic canal, including the trigeminal REZ and nerve. Resection of the tubercle is safe, and recommended where it markedly obstructs the operative corridor. Care should be taken to wax the drilled surface of the petrous temporal bone and minimize incumbent risk of cerebrospinal fluid leak.  Informed consent was appropriately documented and verified as outlined by our institutional guidelines.

scholarly journals Trigeminal neuralgia associated with a variant of persistent trigeminal artery

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (11) ◽  
pp. 2225-2228
Author(s):  
Melissa M. Ling ◽  
Megha Gupta ◽  
Jay Acharya
Keyword(s):  
Trigeminal Neuralgia ◽  
Persistent Trigeminal Artery ◽  
Trigeminal Artery

scholarly journals Microvascular decompression for trigeminal neuralgia caused by trigeminocerebellar artery

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. V4
Author(s):  
Norio Ichimasu ◽  
Nobuyuki Nakajima ◽  
Ken Matsushima ◽  
Michihiro Kohno ◽  
Yutaka Takusagawa
Keyword(s):  
Trigeminal Neuralgia ◽  
Trigeminal Nerve ◽  
Basilar Artery ◽  
Microvascular Decompression ◽  
Nerve Root ◽  
Cerebellar Hemisphere ◽  
Link Type ◽  
Trigeminal Nerve Root ◽  
Close Relationship

In this operative video, the authors demonstrate the case of a 53-year-old woman who presented with typical right trigeminal neuralgia by a trigeminocerebellar artery (TCA). The TCA was first defined by Marinković as a unique branch of the basilar artery supplying both the trigeminal nerve root and the cerebellar hemisphere. As a result of the close relationship between this vessel and the nerve root, the TCA might compress the nerve root, thereby causing trigeminal neuralgia. However, few cases of trigeminal neuralgia caused by TCA have been reported. This video shows the microvascular decompression for trigeminal neuralgia by the TCA.The video can be found here: https://youtu.be/UnGsCQRK6aY

scholarly journals Pain Outcomes Following Microvascular Decompression for Drug-Resistant Trigeminal Neuralgia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Neurosurgery ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 86 (2) ◽  
pp. 182-190 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katherine Holste ◽  
Alvin Y Chan ◽  
John D Rolston ◽  
Dario J Englot
Keyword(s):  
Trigeminal Neuralgia ◽  
Microvascular Decompression ◽  
Disease Duration ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Superior Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Drug Resistant ◽  
Pain Outcomes

Abstract BACKGROUND Microvascular decompression (MVD) is a potentially curative surgery for drug-resistant trigeminal neuralgia (TN). Predictors of pain freedom after MVD are not fully understood. OBJECTIVE To describe rates and predictors for pain freedom following MVD. METHODS Using preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Scopus were queried for primary studies examining pain outcomes after MVD for TN published between 1988 and March 2018. Potential biases were assessed for included studies. Pain freedom (ie, Barrow Neurological Institute score of 1) at last follow-up was the primary outcome measure. Variables associated with pain freedom on preliminary analysis underwent formal meta-analysis. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for possible predictors. RESULTS Outcome data were analyzed for 3897 patients from 46 studies (7 prospective, 39 retrospective). Overall, 76.0% of patients achieved pain freedom after MVD with a mean follow-up of 1.7 ± 1.3 (standard deviation) yr. Predictors of pain freedom on meta-analysis using random effects models included (1) disease duration ≤5 yr (OR = 2.06, 95% CI = 1.08-3.95); (2) arterial compression over venous or other (OR = 3.35, 95% CI = 1.91-5.88); (3) superior cerebellar artery involvement (OR = 2.02, 95% CI = 1.02-4.03), and (4) type 1 Burchiel classification (OR = 2.49, 95% CI = 1.32-4.67). CONCLUSION Approximately three-quarters of patients with drug-resistant TN achieve pain freedom after MVD. Shorter disease duration, arterial compression, and type 1 Burchiel classification may predict more favorable outcome. These results may improve patient selection and provider expectations.

scholarly journals Persistent trigeminal artery: angio-tomography and angio-magnetic resonance finding

2009 ◽  
Vol 67 (3b) ◽  
pp. 882-885 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lícia Pachêco Pereira ◽  
Lara A.M. Nepomuceno ◽  
Pablo Picasso Coimbra ◽  
Sabino Rodrigues de Oliveira Neto ◽  
Marcelo Ricardo C. Natal
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Carotid Artery ◽  
Internal Carotid Artery ◽  
Trigeminal Neuralgia ◽  
Basilar Artery ◽  
Internal Carotid ◽  
Incidental Finding ◽  
Persistent Trigeminal Artery ◽  
Trigeminal Artery ◽  
Magnetic Resonance Finding

The trigeminal artery (TA) is the most common embryonic carotid-vertebrobasilar anastomosis to persist into adulthood. It typically extends from the internal carotid artery to the basilar artery. Persistent primitive arteries are usually found incidentally, but are often associated with vascular malformation, cerebral aneurysm and, in case of TA, with trigeminal neuralgia. We present one patient with TA as a cause of trigeminal neuralgia and in other three as an incidental finding, on TC and MR angiograms.

Trigeminal Neuralgia Caused by Venous Compression

Neurosurgery ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 55 (2) ◽  
pp. 334-339 ◽  
Author(s):  
Toshio Matsushima ◽  
Phuong Huynh-Le ◽  
Masayuki Miyazono
Keyword(s):  
Trigeminal Neuralgia ◽  
Trigeminal Nerve ◽  
Microvascular Decompression ◽  
Complete Relief ◽  
Surgical Results ◽  
Meckel’S Cave ◽  
Trigeminal Pain ◽  
Venous Compression ◽  
Facial Numbness ◽  
Meckel's Cave

Abstract OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to clarify whether venous compression on the trigeminal nerve really causes trigeminal neuralgia or not, and to identify which veins are the offending veins. METHODS: We used microvascular decompression in operations on 121 patients with typical trigeminal neuralgia. We analyzed the intraoperative findings and surgical results in these 121 cases. RESULTS: In 7 of the 121 cases, only the vein was identified as a compressive factor on the trigeminal nerve. In 6 of these 7 cases, single venous compression was found, whereas the remaining case had two offending veins. The transverse pontine vein was most frequently found as the offending vein near Meckel's cave. All patients showed complete relief of trigeminal pain after decompression of the veins, but four of them developed facial numbness after surgery, which tended to be slight and did not require any treatment. CONCLUSION: Our surgical experiences showed that venous compression could cause trigeminal neuralgia by itself and that the transverse pontine vein should be carefully observed because it is most frequently the offending vein.

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