Left retrosigmoid craniotomy for cavernous malformation of the middle cerebellar peduncle

2014 ◽  
Vol 36 (v1supplement) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan Russin ◽  
David J. Fusco ◽  
Robert F. Spetzler

We present a 25-year-old female with a history of multiple intracranial cavernous malformations complaining of vertigo. Imaging is significant for increasing size of a lesion in her left cerebellar peduncle. Given the proximity to the lateral border of the cerebellar peduncle, a retrosigmoid approach was chosen. After performing a craniotomy that exposed the transverse-sigmoid sinus junction, the dura was open and reflected. The arachnoid was sharply opened and cerebrospinal fluid was aspirated to allow the cerebellum to fall away from the petrous bone. The cerebellopontine fissure was then opened to visualize the lateral wall of the cerebellar peduncle. The cavernous malformation was entered and resected.The video can be found here: http://youtu.be/P7mpVbaCiJE.

2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. E2-E2
Author(s):  
Benjamin K Hendricks ◽  
Robert F Spetzler

Abstract Pontine cavernous malformations are highly morbid lesions that require thorough preoperative planning of the surgical approach and meticulous surgical technique to successfully remove. The patient in this case has a large pontine cavernous malformation coming to the parenchymal surface along the pontine–middle cerebellar peduncle interface. The depth of the surgical field and narrow trajectory of approach require use of lighted suction, lighted bipolar forceps, and stereotactic neuronavigation to successfully locate and remove the entire lesion. The cavernous malformation is removed in a piecemeal manner with close inspection of the resection cavity for any remnants. Postoperative imaging demonstrates gross total resection of the lesion. The patient gave informed consent for surgery and video recording. Institutional review board approval was deemed unnecessary. Used with permission from Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona.


2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. E170-E171
Author(s):  
Marcio S Rassi ◽  
Guilherme H W Ceccato ◽  
Emerson Schindler ◽  
Felipe G Fagundes ◽  
Matias N P Beiras ◽  
...  

Abstract Brainstem cavernous malformations are frequently surrounded by vital structures, which often makes surgical treatment a challenging task even to the most skilled surgeon. Accordingly, microsurgical excision is preferably offered to symptomatic patients and superficial lesions.1-3 We present the case of a 41-yr-old male presenting with progressive dizziness and diplopia. Neurological examination showed horizontal nystagmus, dysmetria, and unbalance. Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) suggested a cavernous malformation in the right middle cerebellar peduncle. A telovelar approach was employed with the guidance of intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring. An exophytic lesion was identified in the right middle cerebellar peduncle and a clear cleavage plane was obtained allowing circumferential dissection around the capsule. The lesion was removed en bloc. Postoperative MRI confirmed a complete excision of the malformation. The patient presented an improvement in his initial symptoms, with no new neurological deficit. Cavernous malformations related with the fourth ventricle can be successfully resected through a telovelar approach in select cases, especially when exophytic, where the surgeon might take advantage of the path created by the lesion. Informed consent was obtained from the patient for the procedure and publication of this operative video. Anatomic images were a courtesy of the Rhoton Collection, American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS)/Neurosurgical Research and Education Foundation (NREF).


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Julia R. Schneider ◽  
Amrit K. Chiluwal ◽  
Mohsen Nouri ◽  
Giyarpuram N. Prashant ◽  
Amir R. Dehdashti

OBJECTIVE The retrosigmoid (RS) approach is a classic route used to access deep-seated brainstem cavernous malformation (CM). The angle of access is limited, so alternatives such as the transpetrosal presigmoid retrolabyrinthine (TPPR) approach have been used to overcome this limitation. Here, the authors evaluated a modification to the RS approach, horizontal fissure dissection by using the RS transhorizontal (RSTH) approach. METHODS Relevant clinical parameters were evaluated in 9 patients who underwent resection of lateral pontine CM. Cadaveric dissection was performed to compare the TPPR approach and the RSTH approach. RESULTS Five patients underwent the TPPR approach, and 4 underwent the RSTH approach. Dissection of the horizontal fissure allowed for access to the infratrigeminal safe entry zone, with a direct trajectory to the middle cerebellar peduncle similar to that used in TPPR exposure. Operative time was longer in the TPPR group. All patients had a modified Rankin Scale score ≤ 2 at the last follow-up. Cadaveric dissection confirmed increased anteroposterior working angle and middle cerebellar peduncle exposure with the addition of horizontal fissure dissection. CONCLUSIONS The RSTH approach leads to a direct lateral path to lateral pontine CM, with similar efficacy and shorter operative time compared with more extensive skull base exposure. The RSTH approach could be considered a valid alternative for resection of selected pontine CM.


2019 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. 65
Author(s):  
Christian Saleh ◽  
Stefanie Wilmes ◽  
Kristine Ann Blackham ◽  
Dominik Cordier ◽  
Kerstin Hug ◽  
...  

Background: Choroid plexus papillomas (CPPs) are infrequently encountered brain tumors with the majority originating in the ventricular system. Rarely, CPP occurs outside of the ventricles. Case Description: We report the case of a recurrent CPP that initially originated within the fourth ventricle, though years later it recurred in the left middle cerebellar peduncle. Conclusion: Patients with cerebellar plexus papilloma need long-term follow-up comprising regular magnetic resonance imagings since, in patients with a history of CPP, any new mild symptomatology, even years after the initial presentation, may be an early sign of tumor recurrence.


2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. E413-E413
Author(s):  
Dennis London ◽  
Seth Lieberman ◽  
Omar Tanweer ◽  
Donato Pacione

Abstract Cerebral cavernous malformations are common vascular anomalies consisting of a cluster of capillaries without intervening brain tissue.1 A variety of approaches for resection have been undertaken,2 and a handful of case reports have described the endoscopic, endonasal, transclival approach.3 We present a case of a 51-yr-old woman with lupus and hepatitis B-associated cirrhosis who presented with diplopia, dysphagia, and ataxia. She had a left abducens nerve palsy and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a left pontine cavernous malformation. After a repeat hemorrhage, she consented to surgical resection. The lesion appeared to come to the medial pontine pial surface. Tractography indicated a rightward displacement of the left corticospinal tract. Therefore, an endoscopic, transnasal, transclival approach was chosen. A lumbar drain was placed preoperatively. The clivus and ventral petrous bone were drilled using the vidian canal to help identify the anterior genu of the petrous carotid artery. The clival dura was opened, revealing the abducens nerve exiting the ventral pons. The cavernoma was visible on the surface lateral to the nerve. It was removed using blunt dissection and the remaining cavity inspected. The skull base was reconstructed using an abdominal dermal-fat graft and Alloderm covered by a nasoseptal flap. Postoperatively she had transient swallowing difficulty. The lumbar drain was kept open for 5 d. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak was ruled out using an intrathecal fluorescein injection. She was discharged home, but presented 2 wk postoperatively with aseptic meningitis, which was treated supportively. Postoperative imaging did not show residual cavernoma.


2014 ◽  
Vol 121 (3) ◽  
pp. 723-729 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vivek R. Deshmukh ◽  
Leonardo Rangel-Castilla ◽  
Robert F. Spetzler

Object Brainstem cavernous malformations (BSCMs) present a unique therapeutic challenge to neurosurgeons. Resection of BSCMs is typically reserved for lesions that reach pial or ependymal surfaces. The current study investigates the lateral inferior cerebellar peduncle as a corridor to dorsolateral medullary BSCMs. Methods In this retrospective review, the authors present the cases of 4 patients (3 women and 1 man) who had a symptomatic dorsolateral cavernous malformation with radiographic and clinical evidence of hemorrhage. Results All patients underwent excision of the cavernous malformation via a far-lateral suboccipital craniotomy through the foramen of Luschka and with an incision in the inferior cerebellar peduncle. On intraoperative examination, 2 of the 4 patients had hemosiderin staining on the surface of the peduncle. All lesions were completely excised and all patients had a good or excellent outcome (modified Rankin Scale scores of 0 or 1). Conclusions This case series illustrates that intrinsic lesions of the dorsolateral medulla can be safely removed laterally through the foramen of Luschka and the inferior cerebellar peduncle.


2011 ◽  
Vol 115 (6) ◽  
pp. 1175-1178 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kelly D. Flemming ◽  
George K. Bovis ◽  
Fredric B. Meyer

The risk of hemorrhage from an intracerebral cavernous malformation has been estimated at 2%–4% per year. In patients with multiple cavernous malformations, typically there are 1 or 2 dominant lesions that result in symptoms. This report highlights an unusual case of recurrent hemorrhage from de novo cavernous malformations. This 35-year-old man had a generalized seizure in 2007. Magnetic resonance imaging performed at the time showed multiple hemorrhagic lesions suggestive of cavernous malformations. Two years later, the patient had clinical symptoms referable to a midbrain hemorrhage. This lesion was not present on 2007 standard and gradient echo images. One year later, the patient had another clinical hemorrhage at the cervical medullary junction. This lesion was also not present on earlier imaging. Genetic testing was negative for the known familial types of cavernous malformation. A lesion was biopsied to ensure correct diagnosis, and the results were pathologically consistent with a cavernous malformation. The patient had a fourth clinical hemorrhage in 2011 from a separate lesion. All hemorrhage symptoms were mild, and he returned to normal functioning and work after each hemorrhage. This case highlights several unusual features of the known natural history of intracerebral cavernous malformations. In this case, resection of the hemorrhagic lesion would not have altered future hemorrhage risk since each new hemorrhage was from a de novo lesion.


2020 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
pp. 245
Author(s):  
Keiichiro Ohara ◽  
Tohru Terao ◽  
Shotaro Michishita ◽  
Kunitomo Sato ◽  
Yuichi Sasaki ◽  
...  

Background: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks and pneumocephalus commonly occur due to head trauma or surgical procedures. Spontaneous CSF (sCSF) leaks, however, occur without any clear etiology and are relatively uncommon. Case Description: An 84-year-old woman presented with the right-sided otorrhea. The patient had a history of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement following a subarachnoid hemorrhage treated by clip ligation of a left-sided ruptured cerebral aneurysm 7 years before presentation, with shunt catheter ligation after evidence of intraventricular pneumocephalus 6 years before presentation. At admission, computed tomography (CT) imaging of the head showed enlargement of the lateral ventricles, a right mastoid fluid collection, and a defect of the superior wall of the right petrous bone. We performed a right temporal craniotomy for the repair of the CSF leak. Intraoperatively, it was noted that temporal lobe parenchyma herniated into the mastoid air cells through lacerated dura and a partially defective tegmen mastoideum. The leak point was successfully obliterated with a pericranial graft and reinforced by a collagen sheet and fibrin glue. There was no recurrence of otorrhea postoperatively. Conclusion: This report presents a very unique case of a patient with a CSF leak and pneumocephalus occurring on the contralateral side of a previous cranial surgery. We accurately identified the defect site with CT imaging and repaired the CSF leak by temporal craniotomy. Awareness of the mechanisms by which sCSF leaks can be caused by aberrant arachnoid granulations is imperative for neurosurgeons.


2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. V22
Author(s):  
Guilherme H. W. Ceccato ◽  
Rodolfo F. M. da Rocha ◽  
Julia Goginski ◽  
Pedro H. A. da Silva ◽  
Gabriel S. de Fraga ◽  
...  

Brainstem cavernous malformations are especially difficult to treat because of their deep location and intimate relation with eloquent structures. This is the case of a 26-year-old female presenting with dizziness, dysmetria, nystagmus and unbalance. Imaging depicted a lesion highly suggestive of a cavernous malformation in the left inferior cerebellar peduncle. Following a suboccipital midline craniotomy, the cerebellomedullary fissure was dissected and the lesion was identified bulging the surface. The malformation was completely removed with constant intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring. The patient presented improvement of initial symptoms with no new deficits. Surgical resection of brainstem cavernous malformations can be successfully performed, especially when superficial, using the inferior cerebellar peduncle as an entry zone.The video can be found here: https://youtu.be/-GGZe_CaZnQ.


2021 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 149-155
Author(s):  
João Pedro Einsfeld Britz ◽  
Ildo Sonda ◽  
Renato Luis Calloni ◽  
Yan Bicca ◽  
Arthur Aguzzoli

Cavernous malformations are rare vascular malformations in the central nervous system. We present the case of a 2-month-old female patient who presented tonic-clonic seizures, with no previous history of seizures. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a 5.6 cm tumor in the left parieto-occipital region. The radiological aspect of the tumor initially suggested an anaplastic meningioma. After surgical treatment and anatomopathological analysis, it was found to be a cavernous malformation. Cavernous malformations, or cavernomas, are rare lesions and even more rare is the occurrence of large cavernomas. In the pediatric population, although still quite rare, they usually are presented as larger cavernomas. Surgical resection is considered the most effective treatment.


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