Retrosigmoid transhorizontal fissure approach to lateral pontine cavernous malformation: comparison to transpetrosal presigmoid retrolabyrinthine approach

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 1 (1) ◽  
pp. V15
Author(s):  
Abdullah Keleş ◽  
Mehmet Volkan Harput ◽  
Uğur Türe

This video demonstrates resection of a left pontine cavernous malformation that is abutting the floor of the fourth ventricle (f4V). Even though accessing the lesion through the f4V seems to be reasonable, we used a lateral supracerebellar approach through the middle cerebellar peduncle to preserve especially the abducens and facial nuclei. After total resection the patient was neurologically intact at the 3-month follow-up. Postoperative MRI revealed 3.5-mm pontine tissue between the cavity and f4V that appeared to be absent in preoperative MRI. Approaching pontine lesions through the f4V is not the first choice. In our opinion, the philosophy of safe entry zones is a concept to be reassessed.The video can be found here: https://youtu.be/1Jh6giZc-48.


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.


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.


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.


2018 ◽  
Vol 79 (S 05) ◽  
pp. S420-S421
Author(s):  
Hussam Abou-Al-Shaar ◽  
Gmaan Alzhrani ◽  
Yair Gozal ◽  
William Couldwell

The case described in this video involved a 38-year-old man, who presented with a 4-week history of worsening acute-onset headache, nausea, double vision, and vertigo. On examination, he had impaired tandem gait and diplopia on right horizontal gaze. A computed tomography (CT) scan revealed a hyperdense lesion of the right cerebellopontine angle. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a nonenhancing middle cerebellar peduncle lesion that was isointense on T2-weighed imaging and hypointense on FLAIR imaging (Fig. 1A–B). The differential diagnoses for this lesion included cavernous malformation, thrombosed aneurysm, and neurocysticercosis. CT angiography was done preoperatively to rule out cerebral aneurysm. Surgical resection of the lesion was recommended to relieve his symptoms, to prevent further deterioration/bleeding, and to obtain a pathological diagnosis. The patient underwent a right retrosigmoid craniotomy for resection of the right middle cerebellar peduncle cavernoma (Fig. 2). The patient tolerated the procedure well with no new postoperative neurological deficit. Postoperative MRI depicted gross total resection of the lesion and expected residual blood in the resection cavity (Fig. 1C–D). The patient was discharged home on postoperative day 4. At his last follow-up appointment, 1 month after surgery, he reported complete resolution of his preoperative symptoms, including diplopia. The patient gave consent for publication.The link to the video can be found at: https://youtu.be/TRieS9DXbV4.


2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. V1 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thalia Estefania Sanchez Correa ◽  
David Gallardo Ceja ◽  
Diego Mendez-Rosito

Brainstem cavernous malformation management is complex due to its critical location and deleterious effect when bleeding. Therefore, every case should be thoroughly analyzed preoperatively. We present the case of a female patient with a midbrain cavernous malformation. A comprehensive anatomical and clinical analysis of the surgical corridors is done to decide the safest route. A subtemporal approach was done and the lateral mesencephalic sulcus and vein were important anatomical landmarks to guide the safe entry zone. Nuances of technique and surgical pearls related to the safe entry zones of the midbrain are discussed and illustrated in this operative video.The video can be found here: https://youtu.be/vYA-IgiT2lU.


Stroke ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 47 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hernan M Patino ◽  
Monica Chavarria-Medina ◽  
Mayra Becerril ◽  
Gabriel M Longo ◽  
Edgar Nathal ◽  
...  

Brainstem cavernous malformation (BCM) account for 8-22% of all intracranial cavernomas. Currently, they can be treated microsurgically or conservative but it is still difficult to choose the best treatment for each patient. The main objective of our series was to evaluate the long-term functional outcome and recurrence in patients with BCM treated with conservative or surgical treatments. Hypothesis: We assessed the hypothesis that surgical and conservative treatments are associated with different functional outcome and re-hemorrhage rate in long-term follow-up. Methods: In this non-randomized, clinical series, we compared the clinical and radiological findings of patients with their first hemorrhage secondary to confirmed BCM, treated in a tertiary neurological center, during a twenty five- year period. Treatment of each patient was selected by the attending physician and consisted of either conservative or surgical evacuation of BCM. The primary end-points were recurrent hemorrhage and functional outcome. Favorable prognosis was defined as modified Rankin scale (mRs) of 0 to 2. Results: From January of 1990 to July of 2015; 99 patients with BCM hemorrhage were treated (59 [59,6%] female; mean age 37± 13 years). 37 patients (37,4%) were surgically treated and 62 (62,6%) received conservative treatment. During the follow-up; 20 patients in the medical group (median time of recurrence: 34,5 months; IQR: 13,75-93) and 4 patients in the surgical group (median time of recurrence: 22 months; IQR: 9-46,5) had a recurrence (OR: 0,255; 95% IC: 0,079-0,817), with a cumulative incidence of 5,1 per 100 years-person and 3,96 per 100 years-person respectively. Because of rebleeding, 11 patients of the conservative group were taken to surgery and 3 of the surgical group were to required re-intervention. At the end of follow-up (median: 51 months; IQR: 19-104) 51 patients remained in the conservative group and 28 (54,9%) had a favorable mRs. 48 patients remained in the surgical group and 27 (56,2%) had a favorable mRs (OR:0,94 95% IC: 0,42-2,09). Conclusion: Despite a significant high recurrent hemorrhage rate was observed in conservative treated patients, we did not found difference in clinical outcome between both groups of patients with BCM.


2010 ◽  
Vol 66 (suppl_2) ◽  
pp. ons306-ons313 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shiro Ohue ◽  
Takanori Fukushima ◽  
Allan H. Friedman ◽  
Yoshiaki Kumon ◽  
Takanori Ohnishi

Abstract OBJECTIVE This study examined the usefulness of a surgical approach (retrosigmoid suprafloccular transhorizontal fissure approach) for resection of brainstem cavernous malformations (CMs). METHODS An anatomic study concerning the retrosigmoid suprafloccular transhorizontal fissure approach was performed with 3 cadaveric heads. Clinical course was retrospectively reviewed for 10 patients who underwent microsurgical resection of brainstem CMs with this approach. Medical, surgical, and neuroimaging records of these patients were evaluated. RESULTS In the anatomic study, after standard suboccipital retrosigmoid craniotomy, the horizontal fissure on the petrosal surface of the cerebellum was dissected between the superior semilunar lobule and flocculus. With this approach, the root entry zone of the trigeminal nerve and the middle cerebellar peduncle could be exposed by superior retraction of the superior semilunar lobule. The lateral surface of the pons was then easily visible around the root entry zone. When this approach was used for 10 brainstem CMs, complete resection was achieved in 9 patients (90%). No mortality was encountered in this study. New neurological deficits occurred in the early postoperative period for 4 patients but were transient in 3 patients. Neurological status at final follow-up was improved in 4 patients (40%), unchanged in 5 patients (50%), and worse in 1 patient (10%) compared with preoperative conditions. CONCLUSION The retrosigmoid suprafloccular transhorizontal fissure approach is useful for the resection of lateral pontine CMs.


2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. V8
Author(s):  
Daniel D. Cavalcanti ◽  
Paulo Niemeyer Filho

The pons is the preferred location for cavernous malformations in the brainstem. When these lesions do not surface, it is critical to select the optimal safe entry zone to reduce morbidity.1–3 In this video, we demonstrate in a stepwise manner the medial suboccipital craniotomy and the telovelar approach performed in a lateral decubitus position. They were used to successfully resect a pontine cavernous malformation in a centroposterior location in a 19-year-old patient with diplopia, right-sided numbness, and imbalance. The paramedian supracollicular safe entry zone was used once the lesion did not reach the ependymal surface.2,3 Late magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated total resection and the patient was neurologically intact after 3 months of follow-up. The approach is also demonstrated in a cadaveric dissection to better illustrate all steps.The video can be found here: https://youtu.be/ChArkxA8kig.


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