Clinical Features of Pituitary or Parasellar Tumor Onset with Cranial Nerve Palsy: Surgical Intervention Considerations.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to clarify the symptoms of pituitary or parasellar tumor onset with cranial nerve palsy (CNP) and to improve our knowledge of this rare symptom and its most appropriate treatment. METHODS: Among 1281 patients with pituitary or parasellar tumors surgically treated from 2003 to 2020, 30 cases (2.34%; 15 men and 15 women; mean age: 55.6 years, range: 6-83 years) first presenting with CNP were reviewed to evaluate the neurological symptoms, histological diagnosis, interval from onset to surgery, and time before complete CNP recovery. RESULTS: Pathological diagnoses comprised 17 pituitary adenomas, including 10 pituitary apoplexies and 4 adrenocorticotropic hormone-positive adenomas, and 13 other tumors, including 3 chordomas, 2 xanthogranulomas, 2 malignant lymphomas, 2 metastatic tumors, 1 Rathke cleft cyst, 1 plasmacytoma, 1 craniopharyngioma, and 1 neuroendocrine carcinoma. The mechanisms causing CNP were pituitary apoplexy (n = 10), cranial nerve compression or involvement (n = 17), and inflammatory changes (n = 9). As the first manifestation, 20 (66.7%) patients presented with oculomotor nerve palsy, 2 (6.7%) with trochlear nerve palsy, and 13 (43.3%) with abducens nerve palsy. Full recovery of CNP was obtained in 25 patients (83.3%) after surgery alone and in 2 patients (6.7%) after adjuvant therapy. Early surgery provided no significant difference in full recovery rates although it reduced the time to reach full recovery. CONCLUSIONS: It is critical to determine the mechanisms of CNP and intervene surgically to improve symptoms, shorten the duration of the disorder, prevent relapses, and obtain the correct pathological diagnosis to select the proper adjuvant therapy.

Surgical Management of Craniovertebral Junction Schwannomas: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Craniovertebral junction (CVJ) schwannomas are rare, with surgery and stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) being effective yet challenging options. We systematically reviewed the literature on CVJ schwannomas. METHODS: PubMed, Scopus, Web-of-Science, and Cochrane were searched following the PRISMA statement to include studies reporting CVJ schwannomas. Clinical features, management, and outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: We collected 353 patients from 101 included articles. Presenting symptoms were mostly neck pain (30.3%) and headache (26.3%), with most cranial neuropathies involving the XII (31.2%) and X (24.4%) nerves. Most tumors originated from C2 (30.9%) and XII (29.4%) nerves, being extracranial (45.1%) and intradural-extradural (44.2%). Erosion of C1-C2 vertebrae (37.1%), the hypoglossal canal (28.3%), and/or jugular foramen (20.1%) were noted. All tumors were operated, preferably with the retrosigmoid approach (36.5%), with the far-lateral approach (29.7%) or with the posterior approach and cervical laminectomy (26.9%), far-lateral approaches (14.2%), or suboccipital craniotomy with concurrent cervical laminectomy (14.2%). Complete tumor resection was obtained most frequently (61.5%). Adjuvant post-surgery stereotactic radiosurgery was delivered in 5.9% patients. Median follow-up was 27 months (range, 12-252). Symptom improvement was noted in 88.1% of cases, and cranial neuropathies showed improvement in 10.2%. Post-surgical complications occurred in 83 patients (23.5%), mostly dysphagia (7.4%), new cranial neuropathies (6.2%), and cerebrospinal fluid leak (5.9%). A total of 16 patients (4.5%) had tumor recurrence and 7 died (2%), with median overall survival of 2.7 months (range, 0.1-252). CONCLUSIONS: Microsurgical resection is safe and effective for CVJ schwannomas. Data on SRS efficacy and indications are still lacking, and its role deserves further evaluation.

Microvascular Decompression: A Bibliometric Analysis of the 100 Most Cited Articles.

OBJECTIVE: Bibliometric analyses assess the impact and influence of articles in the academic community. There is no previous work that has used bibliometric analysis of microvascular decompression (MVD). This study aims to identify and characterize the 100 most cited articles on MVD. METHODS: Highly cited articles were identified assessing the Scopus library by using the keywords "microvascular decompression," "MVD," "nerve decompression," "nerve root decompression," and "microvascular surgery." Data were further processed by sampling techniques with defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The number of citations, country of origin, institutions of origin, year of publication, type of cranial nerve disorder, type of article, and the publishing journal were analyzed. Further, article categories and the type of studies were investigated. RESULTS: The 100 most cited articles on MVD ranged from 951 to 76 total citations, and from 38.04 to 1.88 citations per year. Publication dates spanned a period from 1959 to 2015. The most frequently studied cranial nerve disorder was trigeminal neuralgia (n = 54). Articles were published in 29 journals, with Neurosurgery (n = 33) topping the list. The articles came from 14 different countries, with most contributions from the United States (n = 55). Authors of the highly cited articles who received most citations were Peter J. Jannetta (n = 26), followed by Aage Møller (n = 13), and Marc Sindou (n = 11). CONCLUSIONS: This work provides a detailed evaluation of the 100 most cited articles on MVD, thus allowing recognition and selected reading of the most influential academic contributions related to this surgical technique in a variety of cranial nerve disorders.

Causes of Vocal Fold Paralysis.

BACKGROUND: Vocal fold paralysis (VFP) can result from a variety of diseases or surgeries and has various causes. This study determined concurrent etiologies in patients who were treated in a teaching hospital (tertiary medical center). METHODS: A retrospective review of medical records of patients with VFP from September 2010 to December 2019 was performed to determine the etiology. Patients with laryngeal/hypopharyngeal malignancies, those with incomplete examination and follow-up data were excluded from the study. During the follow-ups, cases involving recovery were also excluded. RESULTS: One hundred and ninety-four patients with a determined etiology were included: 113 males and 81 females. Unilateral VFP was present in 178 patients, and 16 presented with bilateral VFP. The causes of unilateral VFP were surgical for 61.3%, neoplastic for 17.5%, idiopathic for 10.3%, traumatic for 1.5%, central for 4.7%, cardiovascular for 2%, radiation-induced for 1.5%, and inflammatory for 1%. Thyroidectomy was the most common surgery for unilateral VFP and was the cause for 54 patients. Lung cancer was responsible for 15 cases and was the most common neoplastic etiology of unilateral VFP. For those who presented with bilateral VFP, surgery was the most common cause and accounted for 56.3% of the incidences. In terms of gender, surgery was the most common cause for both sexes, accounting for 62 of 113 male patients and 57 of 81 female patients. Four cases recovered during the follow-ups and these were excluded. CONCLUSION: Surgery and in particular, thyroidectomy, was the most common cause of VFP for these series. Central nervous system disorders were the cause of VFP (4.5%). Central nervous system disorders, especially cerebrovascular accidents that induced VFP, could not be neglected. Radiation-induced cranial nerve paralysis in the head and neck cancer was possible causes. The percentage for the causes of unilateral VFP, surgery increased and the percentage for neoplasm decreased for Taiwan.

Current and future therapies for persistent corneal epithelial defects and neurotrophic keratopathy.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The corneal epithelium is a crucial barrier against pathogens, and when disrupted in the setting of certain underlying risk factors such as neurotrophic keratopathy (NK), may result in persistent epithelial defects (PEDs) of the cornea. Management is challenging and may require a variety of different approaches ranging from conservative medical therapy to surgical intervention. The purpose of this review is to provide an update on current and potential future therapeutic options for PEDs and NK. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent research has yielded promising results for numerous novel therapies aimed at treating PEDs. Many of these attempt to stimulate healing at the cellular level, via signaling of corneal epithelial differentiation, migration, and proliferation. Considerable advances have also been made regarding medical and surgical promotion of corneal re-innervation and restoration of corneal sensitivity to directly address the underlying NK condition. SUMMARY: Together with the current well established therapeutic options available for PEDs and NK, growing research on newer alternatives suggest increasing potential for both more effective and more convenient therapies for these difficult situations.

Transposition of Vessels for Microvascular Decompression of Posterior Fossa Cranial Nerves: Review of Literature and Intraoperative Decision-Making Scheme.

INTRODUCTION: Microvascular decompression with transposition of the involved vessels provides good surgical outcomes in cases of complex and recurrent neurovascular compression syndromes. We conducted a literature review to illustrate the variations in the surgical techniques used for transposition and to provide a practical decision-making scheme for transposition of the involved vessel. METHODS: A PubMed Medline database record search was conducted using the following algorithm ("Microvascular Decompression Surgery"[Mesh]) OR (((Microvascular) OR (Macrovascular)) AND decompression AND surgery) AND (transposition). Only articles that detailed the intraoperative techniques were included. RESULTS: A total of 48 articles were included. The adjacent anatomical walls to which the compressing vessel can be anchored were divided into 4 groups; A: roof (tentorium cerebelli), B: anterior wall (posterior surface of petrous bone and clivus), C: posterior wall (petrosal surface of the cerebellum), and D: "no wall" required. A new decision-making scheme based on the following 2 questions was designed: 1) is the conflicting vessel amenable to transposition to a nearby wall in the cerebello-brainstem space? 2) what is the closest wall to secure the transposed vessel? CONCLUSIONS: Transposition of the involved vessel is a valuable procedure for microvascular decompression of the posterior fossa cranial nerves. Anchoring the vessel to the adjacent anatomical wall ensures secure transposition. The proposed algorithm provides a systemic scheme to identify the optimal anatomical wall, and to determine the technique and material that can be used to anchor involved vessel. This scheme is an efficient method to inform the intraoperative decision-making process.

The Cutting Edge of Headache Surgery: A Systematic Review on the Value of Extracranial Surgery in the Treatment of Chronic Headache.

BACKGROUND: Migraine is a debilitating neurologic condition, with a large socioeconomic impact. There is a subgroup of patients that does not adequately respond to pharmacologic management and may have underlying neuralgia. Surgical decompression of extracranial sensory nerves has been proposed as an alternative therapy. The aim of this article is to review the evidence for the surgical treatment of neuralgias. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted to study the efficacy of decompression of extracranial sensory nerves as a treatment for neuralgia. Clinical studies were included that studied patients, aged 18 years or older, diagnosed with any definition of headache and were treated with extracranial nerve decompression surgery. Outcome parameters included intensity (on a 10-point scale), duration (in days), and frequency (of headaches per month). RESULTS: Thirty-eight articles were found describing extracranial nerve decompression in patients with headaches. Postoperative decrease in headache intensity ranged from 2 to 8.2, reduction of duration ranged from 0.04 to 1.04 days, and reduction in frequency ranged between 4 and 14.8 headaches per month. Total elimination of symptoms was achieved in 8.3 to 83 percent of cases. A detailed summary of the outcome of single-site decompression is described. Statistical pooling and therefore meta-analysis was not possible, because of articles having the same surgeon and an overlapping patient database. CONCLUSIONS: Nerve decompression surgery is an effective way of treating headaches in a specific population of patients with neuralgia. Although a meta-analysis of the current data was not possible, the extracranial decompression of peripheral head and neck sensory nerves has a high success rate.

Combined Hyperactive Dysfunction Syndrome of the Cranial Nerves: Analysis of 37 Cases and Literature Review.

BACKGROUND: Hyperactive dysfunction syndrome (HDS) of the cranial nerves, such as trigeminal neuralgia (TN), hemifacial spasm (HFS), and glossopharyngeal neuralgia (GPN), is commonly managed by microsurgical treatment. However, certain patients may present a combination of these syndromes in the neurosurgery department. Here, we aimed to retrospectively assess patients with combined HDS from a single center. METHOD: Of 1275 consecutive patients with HDS treated at our center between 2007 and 2017, 37 patients with combined HDS were enrolled, and their medical and surgical records were analyzed. RESULTS: The patients with combined HDS, accounting for 2.9% of all patients with HDS, included 22 patients with bilateral TN, 5 patients with TN-HFS, 8 patients with TN-GPN, and 2 patients with GPN-HFS. A comparison of patients with single and combined HDS indicated a significant difference in the mean age at initial diagnosis (63.57 vs. 56.18 years, P = 0.000) but no such difference in the sex ratio (0.54 vs. 0.59, P = 0.865) or incidence of hypertension (32.43% vs. 24.56%, P = 0.274). In total, 32 microvascular decompression (MVD) procedures were performed in the 27 patients with combined HDS, and repeated MVD was required in 5 patients with bilateral TN. Of the 27 patients who underwent MVD, 25 (92.6%) experienced clinical cure or obvious alleviation. CONCLUSIONS: Combined HDS involves a group of functional disturbance disorders affecting specific cranial nerves, and it may include TN, HFS, and GPN. In addition to gender and incidence of hypertension, age appeared to be a vital indicator for the development of combined HDS, although this finding was inconsistent in previous studies. MVD appears to be a safe and effective treatment for combined HDS, with a high rate of long-term success.

Longitudinal Morphometric Analysis of Sub-Basal Nerve Plexus in Contralateral Eyes of Patients with Unilateral Neurotrophic Keratitis.

Objectives: To investigate longitudinally corneal sub-basal nerve plexus (SNP) by means of in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) in the contralateral eye (CE) of patients with unilateral neurotrophic keratitis (NK) secondary to central nervous system (CNS) diseases who underwent different treatments. Methods: Ten patients with NK and 10 matched controls were included. In 7 NK patients, conservative treatment maintained unchanged the clinical picture over the 1-year follow-up (Group 1), while NK progressed in 3 patients who underwent direct corneal neurotization (Group 2). IVCM scans of SNP of NK patients were acquired in CE at baseline (V0) ad after 1-year follow-up (V1). All images were analyzed with the automated software "ACCMetrics" and compared with controls. The following IVCM corneal nerve parameters were calculated at V0 and V1 with ACCMetrics: fiber density (CNFD), branch density (CNBD), fiber length (CNFL), total branch density (CTBD), fiber area (CNFA), fiber width (CNFW), and fractal dimension (CNFrD). Results: At V0, significantly lower mean values of CNFD and CNBD, and higher values of CNFW were detected in CE of NK patients compared to controls (respectively, 16.9 ± 8.7 vs 25.0 ± 8.3 n/mm2, P= .029; 19.3 ± 13.8 vs 33.8 ± 18.9 n/mm2, P= .023; 0.022 ± 0.002 vs 0.020 ± 0.001 mm/mm2, P< .001). From V0 to V1, all IVCM metrics of CE remained unchanged in Group 1, while they improved in Group 2. Conclusions: Contralateral eye of patients with unilateral NK secondary to CNS disease showed lower CNFD and CNBD and higher CNFW compared to controls. Unlike conservative treatment, direct corneal neurotization was able to improve SNP metrics also in CE.

A Meta-Analysis of Endoscopic Microvascular Decompression versus Microscopic Microvascular Decompression for the Treatment for Cranial Nerve Syndrome Caused by Vascular Compression.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of endoscopic microvascular decompression (E-MVD) and microscopic microvascular decompression (M-MVD) for the treatment for cranial nerve syndrome caused by vascular compression, including primary trigeminal neuralgia, hemifacial spasm, and glossopharyngeal neuralgia. METHODS: A systematic search of the online databases, including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, China Biology Medicine disc, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure, was performed from January 1966 to March 2018. The language of the included literature was not limited. Relevant outcomes of perioperative safety and postoperative efficacy were considered for meta-analysis. Single-arm and cumulative meta-analyses were also conducted. All the outcomes were calculated as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals using R language. RESULTS: A total of 9 studies involving 1093 (E-MVD [543] vs. M-MVD [550]) patients were included for analysis in our study. The recent remission rate (92% vs. 86%; OR, 1.71; P = 0.0089), offending vessel discovery rate (99% vs. 95%; OR 2.76, P = 0.0061), and long-term remission rate (97% vs. 87%; OR 4.59, P = 0.0036) were significantly higher in patients who underwent E-MVD than in those who underwent M-MVD, whereas perioperative complications (23% vs. 35%; OR 0.56, P < 0.0001) were significantly lower in patients who underwent E-MVD. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis confirms that E-MVD is superior to M-MVD both in perioperative and postoperative efficacy (short- and long-term), and therefore it should be considered as an appropriate treatment choice for patients with neuralgia and hemifacial spasm.

Meckel Cave Epidermoid Cyst Presenting as Multiple Cranial Nerve Deficits Due to Indirect Tumoral Compression of the Cavernous Sinus: A Case Report and Literature Review.

BACKGROUND: Epidermoid cysts in Meckel cave are exceedingly rare. Since 1971, only 17 cases have been reported in the literature, with most patients presenting with trigeminal hypesthesia. However, outgrowth of these lesions from Meckel cave can rarely lead to compression of the proximate cavernous sinus and the neurovascular structures contained within. To date, 2 cases have reported a Meckel cave epidermoid cyst presenting clinically as an intracavernous cranial nerve palsy, presumably a clinical manifestation of cavernous sinus compression from the lesion. CASE DESCRIPTION: We describe a case involving a 51-year-old woman presenting with unilateral refractory trigeminal neuralgia, facial hypesthesia, abducens palsy, plus new-onset partial ptosis. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a mass in the left Meckel cave that was T1 hypointense, T2 hyperintense, peripherally enhancing, and restricting diffusion. A stereotactic left subtemporal extradural approach was used to resect the lesion, which alleviated most of the patient's symptomatology except for minimal intermittent left-sided facial hypesthesia that remained at her 1-year postoperative visit. CONCLUSIONS: This is a unique report depicting an epidermoid cyst in the Meckel cave causing numerous cranial nerve deficits because of indirect tumoral compression of cranial nerves within the cavernous sinus.

Microsurgical Strategies for the Treatment of Compression Neuropathies Secondary to Vertebrobasilar Dolichoectasia: From Simple Decompression to Sling Transposition.

BACKGROUND: Vertebrobasilar artery dolichoectasia may result in neural element compression anywhere along its course within the cervical region, the craniocervical junction or in the posterior fossa. The clinical syndromes most often observed include cranial neuropathy, bulbar dysfunction, myelopathy and cervical radiculopathy. When indicated, the operative techniques utilized to address vertebrobasilar artery dolichoectasia must be individually tailored, can be technically challenging, and have been rarely expounded. OBJECTIVE: To share selected cases that demonstrate the variety of pathological states caused by vertebrobasilar artery dolichoectasia as well as our experience in managing this condition. METHODS: Here we review examples of pathological impingement of neural elements compressed by ectasia within the vertebrobasilar arterial system throughout its anatomic course. The surgical techniques we have employed to alleviate the compression, including simple decompression as well as sling-assisted arterial transposition, are described. The evolution and refinement of our transposition technique are detailed. RESULTS: A wide range of pathological conditions may result from compression of neural structures throughout the course of the vertebrobasilar system. Compression of cervical nerve roots, the spinal cord, brainstem, and cranial nerves can be seen. Microsurgical management may be indicated in selected cases with gratifying results. CONCLUSION: Pathological compression of neural structures throughout the course of the vertebrobasilar system should be recognized. When indicated, microsurgical decompression must be tailored to the individual symptomology and the unique anatomic relationship in each case with the potential to prevent neurological worsening and, in many cases, improve functional outcome.

Nationwide Shift From Percutaneous Rhizotomy to Microvascular Decompression for Treatment of Trigeminal and Other Cranial Nerve Neuralgias.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to report the trends in the use of common surgical interventions over the past decade to treat cranial nerve neuralgias. METHODS: The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Part B National Summary Data File from 2000 to 2016 were studied. RESULTS: A total of 57.1 million persons were enrolled in 2016, up from 39.6 million persons in 2000. Suboccipital craniectomy done for cranial nerve decompressions (including cranial nerves V, VII, and IX) increased by 33.9 cases per year so that in 2016 the number of cases was 167% of what it was 17 years earlier (ie, from 655 cases in 2000 to 1096 cases in 2016). The less commonly used subtemporal approach craniectomy to treat trigeminal neuralgia (TN) increased by 1.13 cases per year (ie, from 25 cases in 2000 to 46 cases in 2016). The less invasive percutaneous rhizotomy procedures, including glycerol and radiofrequency ablation, for treatment of TN decreased by 42.9 cases per year (64%; ie, from 2578 cases in 2000 to 1206 cases in 2016). CONCLUSIONS: Overall trends show increased use of open surgery and decreased use of percutaneous rhizotomy, including destruction of the trigeminal nerve using balloon compression, glycerol injection, or thermal injury. These trends may be related to differences in outcomes between treatment modalities.

A Case of An Unusual Bell's Palsy Mimic.

We discuss the case of a 5-year-old boy who presented with an isolated left-sided cranial nerve 7 palsy that was initially magnetic resonance imaging negative. Owing to continued symptoms, repeat magnetic resonance imaging was performed and showed a temporal bone encephalocele. A review of the differential diagnosis of cranial nerve 7 palsy, warning signs signaling the need for additional workup, and a discussion of temporal lobe encephaloceles is provided in this case report. It is important to recognize that structural lesions can closely mimic idiopathic Bell's palsy, despite initial negative imaging.

MRI Tractography Detecting Cranial Nerve Displacement in a Cystic Skull Base Tumor.

A 37-year-old man came to our neurosurgical department with a 2-month history of a progressive invalidating balance disorder. Cerebral magnetic resonance imaging found a T2-weighted hypersignal lesion of the right cerebellopontine angle that severely compressed the brainstem, however the position of cranial nerves was not clearly identified. The new MRI diffusion tool, tractography, allowed to reconstruct the trajectory of cranial nerves that were displaced by the tumor. As such, the acoustic facial bundle was severely flattened posteriorly and superiorly, while the lower nerves were pushed inferiorly. Effective neurosurgical decompression was performed and confirmed the position of cranial nerves V-XII. The patient was discharged and returned home without any cranial nerve deficit. This case illustrates how advances in imaging can now better describe the anatomy surrounding brain tumors and make surgery safer to the benefit of patients.

Veins of the Cerebellopontine Angle and Specific Complications of Sacrifice, with Special Emphasis on Microvascular Decompression Surgery. A Review.

Good knowledge of the anatomy of veins is of crucial importance for the functional surgery of cranial nerve (CN) disorders, especially microvascular decompression for trigeminal neuralgia (TN), hemifacial spasm (HFS), and vagoglossopharyngeal neuralgia (VGPN). Although controversial, veins may be involved in neurovascular conflicts and may constitute dangerous obstacles to access to the CNs. With the aim of estimating the implications of veins in those diseases and evaluating the linked surgical difficulties, we carried out a review of the literature from 2000 to the end of February 2018. For this review, articles found on PubMed that gave enough precision about veins were retained (39 articles on TN, 38 on HFS, 8 on VGPN, and 26 on complications related to venous sacrifices). Before this review, we described a simplified anatomic classification of veins, amenable to easing the surgical approach to CNs. Access to the trigeminal nerve, via the infratentorial-supracerebellar route, is almost always affected by the superficial superior petrosal venous system, whereas access to the facial and cochleovestibular complex as well as to the lower CNs, through the infrafloccular trajectory, is almost always exempt of important venous obstacles. Respective incidences of venous compression at the origin of hyperactive CN syndromes are given. The percentages of a venous conflict alone were calculated at 10.8% for TN, 0.1% for HFS, and 2.9% for VGPN. We review the complications considered in relation with venous sacrifices. Precautions to minimize these complications are given.

Single-Center Clinical Characteristics and Treatment Experience of Foramen Magnum Neurenteric Cyst: Report of 6 Cases and Brief Review of the Literature.

OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively analyze the clinical data of 6 patients with foramen magnum (FM) neurenteric (NE) cysts, and summarize the clinical characteristics and treatment experience for this rare disease in our single center. METHODS: Between January 2011 and December 2015, 6 patients with FM NE cyst were surgically treated at Xuan Wu Hospital of Capital Medical University. We summarize the treatment experience of these patients through a retrospective review of the clinical information, imaging features, surgical details, and follow-up outcomes. RESULTS: All 6 patients were female, ranging in age from 15 to 54 years (mean age, 36.8 ± 12.9 years). Occipital headache along with cranial nerve injury were the most common symptoms. Preoperative brain magnetic resonance imaging identified all lesions in the FM region, with an oblong or lobulated shape. The surgical approach was far lateral in 4 patients and suboccipital midline in 2 patients. Total lesion removal was completed in 4 patients, and subtotal excision was performed in the other 2 patients, in whom the cyst wall was intensely adherent to surrounding structures. In all 6 patients, the preoperative symptoms were significantly relieved after surgery. No recurrence was seen after a mean follow-up of 27.3 months (range, 3-70 months). CONCLUSIONS: Our present study identified a female predominance among patients with intracranial FM NE cyst. Surgical excision is the optimum treatment strategy for this rare disease. Our findings indicate that subtotal removal of an FM NE cyst may be associated with favorable outcomes, but strict long-term follow up is needed.

Intraspinosum Middle Meningeal Artery Ligation: A Simple Technique to Control Bleeding in the Middle Fossa During the Anterior Transpetrosal Approach.

BACKGROUND: Although the greater superficial petrosal nerve (GSPN) is an important landmark of the anterior transpetrosal approach (ATPA), bleeding from the interdural space around the foramen spinosum (FS), the GSPN, and the foramen ovale impedes the identification of the GSPN, during epidural dissection in the ATPA. OBJECTIVE: To describe the technique of intraspinosum middle meningeal artery (MMA) ligation, which enables us to control bleeding from the interdural space. METHODS: During epidural dissection, we identified the FS and partially drilled the lateral side of the FS. Next, we cut the convergence site of the neurovascular structures such as the MMA, middle meningeal vein, and the meningeal branch of the mandibular nerve with the periosteal dura within the FS and continued dural detachment epidurally to expose the petrous apex. Bleeding control around the FS and postoperative facial nerve paresis were assessed for 96 patients treated with the ATPA. Additionally, histological study was performed around the FS using Masson's trichrome stain. RESULTS: In all cases, in which this technique was used, bleeding from the interdural space was well controlled and no persistent facial nerve paresis was identified. In the histological study, we confirmed that the MMA, the middle meningeal vein, and the meningeal branch of the mandibular nerve converged into the FS and many venous channels existed in the interdural space around the FS and the foramen ovale. CONCLUSION: Intra-FS MMA ligation is an effective method for control of bleeding from the interdural space of the middle fossa during the ATPA.

Stepwise Rostrocaudal Brainstem Anesthesia as a Complication of Local Anesthesia: A Case Report.

Iatrogenic cranial nerve palsies can rarely complicate neurosurgical, oral maxillofacial, and otolaryngological procedures. Among the most serious complications of cranial nerve palsy is upper airway obstruction, which is life threatening. We present a case of multiple cranial nerve palsies evolving rapidly in a rostrocaudal stepwise fashion after infiltration of lidocaine to repair a cerebrospinal fluid leak in a patient postoccipital craniectomy. This led to hypoxic respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation before resolving spontaneously. This is the first known case of accidental brainstem anesthesia secondary to lidocaine infiltration at an occipital craniectomy site and serves to caution clinicians who manage similar patients.