A case report of an intra-optic recurrent craniopharyngioma.

A 46-year old female patient presented with a left-sided superior temporal quadrantanopia due to a recurrent craniopharyngioma. The location of the recurrence was unusual. Imaging showed an enlarged left optic nerve, suggestive of a recurrent intra-optic craniopharyngioma. It was possible to remove the tumour without compromising the visual functions. In this report, we describe the case in further details.

A novel drainage approach in patients with cholesterol granuloma: From petrous apex to mastoid air cell.

BACKGROUND: Cholesterol granulomas (CG) of the petrous apex (CGPA) are benign lesions that have high recurrence rates after surgical intervention. We describe the use of a robust silicon drain between the petrous apex and mastoid air cells to allow constant aeration of the lesion for preventing recurrence. CASE DESCRIPTION: A retrospective analysis was performed using the data of four patients treated at the Maastricht University Medical Centre between 2014 and 2016. Using the middle fossa approach, the petrous apex was reached, the cyst was opened, and the content aspirated. Subsequently, a robust silicon drain was placed between the cyst and mastoid air cell system. The outcome measures were clinical improvement of the symptoms and radiological parameters. The patients were female (n = 2) and male (n = 2) with an age range between 33 and 53 years at the time of the operation. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging scans were used to confirm CG diagnosis. The most common presenting symptoms in our population were diplopia and headaches. The symptoms improved after surgery and there were no complications. Thus far, no recurrence has been observed and imaging shows aeration in the lesion area. CONCLUSION: The use of a robust drain seems to be an effective, safe, and feasible option to prevent recurrences in patients with CG.

An unusual case of repeated intracranial hemorrhage in vestibular schwannoma.

BACKGROUND: Symptomatic intratumoral hemorrhage (ITH) in vestibular schwannoma (VS) is rare. A repeated hemorrhage is, therefore, even more exceptional. Repeated ITH has been reported in four cases thus far in English literature. Here, we describe a patient with a Koos grade D VS who presented to our Skull Base team with repeated ITH and an unexpected disease course. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 76-year-old woman presented with hearing loss due to polycystic VS on the left side. Five years later, the patient was presented with facial palsy caused by hemorrhage in the VS. The patient had an eventful medical history that necessitated the use of anti-coagulants. The patient suffered from three subsequent hemorrhages preoperatively and one hemorrhage 36 h postoperatively. CONCLUSION: We have experienced multiple repeated hemorrhages in a patient with a polycystic VS, and despite surgical intervention, the outcome was unfavorable.