ABSTRACT
The frontal aslant tract (FAT) is a crucial neural pathway of language and speech, but little is known about its connectivity and segmentation differences across populations. In this study, we investigate the probabilistic coverage of the FAT in a large sample of 1065 young adults. Our primary goal was to reveal individual variability and lateralization of FAT and its structure-function correlations in language processing. The study utilized diffusion MRI data from 1065 subjects obtained from the Human Connectome Project. Automated tractography using DSI Studio software was employed to map white matter bundles, and the results were examined to study the population variation of the FAT. Additionally, anatomical dissections were performed to validate the fiber tracking results. The tract-to-region connectome, based on Human Connectome Project-MMP parcellations, was utilized to provide population probability of the tract-to-region connections. Our results showed that the left anterior FAT exhibited the most substantial individual differences, particularly in the superior and middle frontal gyrus, with greater variability in the superior than the inferior region. Furthermore, we found left lateralization in FAT, with a greater difference in coverage in the inferior and posterior portions. Additionally, our analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between the left FAT inferior coverage area and the performance on the oral reading recognition (p = .016) and picture vocabulary (p = .0026) tests. In comparison, fractional anisotropy of the right FAT exhibited marginal significance in its correlation (p = .056) with Picture Vocabulary Test. Our findings, combined with the connectivity patterns of the FAT, allowed us to segment its structure into anterior and posterior segments. We found significant variability in FAT coverage among individuals, with left lateralization observed in both macroscopic shape measures and microscopic diffusion metrics. Our findings also suggested a potential link between the size of the left FAT's inferior coverage area and language function tests. These results enhance our understanding of the FAT's role in brain connectivity and its potential implications for language and executive functions.
Subject(s)
Connectome , White Matter , Humans , Young Adult , Diffusion Tensor Imaging , Brain/diagnostic imaging , Frontal Lobe/diagnostic imaging , White Matter/diagnostic imaging , Language , Neural Pathways/diagnostic imagingABSTRACT
Pediatric optic pathway/hypothalamic gliomas (OPHG) pose challenges in treatment due to their location and proximity to vital structures. Surgical resection plays a key role in the management of OPHG especially when the tumor exhibits mass effect and causes symptoms. However, data regarding outcomes and complications of surgical resection for OPHG remains heterogenous. The authors performed a systematic review on pediatric OPHG in four databases: PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar. We included studies that reported on the visual outcomes and complications of OPHG resection. A meta-analysis was performed and reported per the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. A total of 26 retrospective studies were included. Seven hundred ninety-seven pediatric patients with OPHG undergoing surgical resection were examined. A diagnosis of NF1 was confirmed in 9.7%. Gross total resection was achieved in 36.7%. Intraorbital optic pathway gliomas showed a significantly higher gross total resection rate compared to those located in the chiasmatic/hypothalamic region (75.8% vs. 9.6%). Postoperatively, visual acuity improved in 24.6%, remained unchanged in 68.2%, and worsened in 18.2%. Complications included hydrocephalus (35.4%), anterior pituitary dysfunction (19.6%), and transient diabetes insipidus (29%). Tumor progression post-resection occurred in 12.8%, through a mean follow-up of 53.5 months. Surgical resection remains an essential strategy for treating symptomatic and large pediatric OPHG and can result in favorable vision outcomes in most patients. Careful patient selection is critical. Patients should be monitored for hydrocephalus development postoperatively and followed up to assess for tumor progression and adjuvant treatment necessity.
Subject(s)
Hypothalamic Neoplasms , Postoperative Complications , Humans , Child , Postoperative Complications/etiology , Postoperative Complications/epidemiology , Hypothalamic Neoplasms/surgery , Hypothalamic Neoplasms/complications , Glioma/surgery , Glioma/complications , Optic Nerve Glioma/surgery , Neurosurgical Procedures/methods , Neurosurgical Procedures/adverse effects , Treatment Outcome , Child, PreschoolABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Craniofacial fibrous dysplasia (CFD) typically occurs in the facial bones and anterior cranial vault and can produce both disfigurement and functional limitations for patients disfigurement. Treatment consists of reducing the abnormal bone. Bone contouring can become challenging when the exposure does not extend to the corresponding normal contralateral structures for comparison or when normal landmarks are not available, which may compromise the overall aesthetic outcome. We describe a technique using dynamic mirroring to accurately contour the involved part of the cranium in a case of giant CFD. OBSERVATIONS: A 49-year-old male presented with a giant deforming fibrous dysplasia of the right mastoid and parieto-temporo-occiput that was causing functional limitations due to the size of the bony mass. This was managed with multidisciplinary bony reduction. Several neurovascular structures were in proximity to the areas of planned drilling of the expansile lesion, and dynamic mirroring of the uninvolved left skull was utilized to maximize safety and symmetry of reduction. High-speed drilling of the right occipital bone was performed until the navigation system alerted the surgeon that symmetric depth had been achieved. There were no complications from the procedure and this technique maximized the limits of symmetric reduction without significantly increasing surgical complexity or duration. LESSONS: Dynamic mirroring of bony structures in the posterior cranium is not commonly employed in neurosurgical practice. This technique may help improve the aesthetic outcomes of bony reduction in craniofacial dysplasia and a variety of similarly managed bony lesions, contour cranioplasties, and in unilateral craniosynostosis surgery.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Low-grade gliomas (LGGs) are slow growing brain tumors that often cause displacement and/or infiltration of the surrounding white matter pathways. Differentiation between infiltration and displacement of fiber tracts remains a challenge. Currently, there is no reliable noninvasive imaging method capable of revealing such white matter alteration patterns. We employed quantitative anisotropy (QA) derived from generalized q-sampling imaging (GQI) to identify patterns of fiber tract alterations by LGGs. METHODS: Sixteen patients with a neuropathological diagnosis of LGG (WHO grade II) were enrolled. Peritumoral fiber tracts underwent qualitative and quantitative evaluation. Contralateral hemisphere counterparts were used for comparison. Tracts were qualitatively classified as unaffected, displaced, infiltrated or displaced, and infiltrated at once. The average QA of whole tract (W), peritumoral tract segment (S), and their ratio (S/W) were obtained and compared to the healthy side for quantitative evaluation. RESULTS: Qualitative analysis revealed 9 (13.8%) unaffected, 24 (36.9%) displaced, 13 (20%) infiltrated, and 19 (29.2%) tracts with a combination of displacement and infiltration. There were no disrupted tracts. There was a significant increase in S/W ratio among displaced tracts in the pre-operative scans in comparison with the contralateral side. QA values of peritumoral tract segments (S) were significantly lower in infiltrated tracts. CONCLUSION: WHO grade II LGGs might displace, infiltrate, or cause a combination of displacement and infiltration of WM tracts. QA derived from GQI provides valuable information that helps to differentiate infiltration from displacement. Anisotropy changes correlate with qualitative alterations, which may serve as a potential biomarker of fiber tract integrity.
Subject(s)
Brain Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Brain Neoplasms/pathology , Diffusion Tensor Imaging/methods , Glioma/diagnostic imaging , Glioma/pathology , White Matter/diagnostic imaging , White Matter/pathology , Adolescent , Adult , Algorithms , Anisotropy , Female , Humans , Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted , Male , Middle Aged , Neoplasm GradingABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus (IFOF) and uncinate fasciculus (UF) are major fronto-capsular white matter pathways. IFOF connects frontal areas of the brain to parieto-occipital areas. UF connects ventral frontal areas to anterior temporal areas. Both fascicles are thought to subserve higher language and emotion roles. Controversy pertaining to their connectivity and subdivision persists in the literature, however. METHODS: High-definition fiber tractography (HDFT) is a non-tensor tractographic method using diffusion spectrum imaging data. Its major advantage over tensor-based tractography is its ability to trace crossing fiber pathways. We used HDFT to investigate subdivisions and cortical connectivity of IFOF and UF in 30 single subjects and in an atlas comprising averaged data from 842 individuals. A per-subject aligned, atlas-based approach was employed to seed fiber tracts and to study cortical terminations. RESULTS: For IFOF, we observed a tripartite arrangement corresponding to ventrolateral, ventromedial, and dorsomedial frontal origins. IFOF volume was not significantly lateralized to either hemisphere. UF fibers arose from ventromedial and ventrolateral frontal areas on the left and from ventromedial frontal areas on the right. UF volume was significantly lateralized to the left hemisphere. The data from the averaged atlas was largely in concordance with subject-specific findings. IFOF connected to parietal, occipital, but not temporal, areas. UF connected predominantly to temporal poles. CONCLUSION: Both IFOF and UF possess subdivided arrangements according to their frontal origin. Our connectivity results indicate the multifunctional involvement of IFOF and UF in language tasks. We discuss our findings in context of the tractographic literature.
Subject(s)
Brain Mapping/methods , Diffusion Tensor Imaging/methods , External Capsule/anatomy & histology , Frontal Lobe/anatomy & histology , Neural Pathways/anatomy & histology , Occipital Lobe/anatomy & histology , White Matter/anatomy & histology , Adult , Female , Humans , Image Processing, Computer-Assisted , MaleABSTRACT
The supracerebellar infratentorial (SCIT) approach is a well-described corridor to lesions in the quadrigeminal cistern, pineal gland, and dorsal midbrain. It can be performed in the prone or sitting position. The sitting position offers the benefit of gravity retraction of the cerebellum but comes at the expense of nonergonomic hand positioning and the potential risk of air embolism. The 3D exoscope is an alternative to the operating microscope and permits the SCIT approach in the prone position with excellent visualization. This video demonstrates exoscope-based SCIT approach for resection of a pineal meningioma in the prone position. The video can be found here: https://stream.cadmore.media/r10.3171/2023.10.FOCVID23155.
ABSTRACT
Odontoid pannus is an abnormal collection of degenerative or inflammatory tissue on the C1-dens joint that can result in severe spinal cord compression myelopathy. Treatment options vary depending on severity and etiology. In cases of severe cord compression, surgical management could be either through a purely posterior approach or in combination with an anterior decompression via endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA). This case presents a 77-year-old female who underwent posterior cervical fixation for odontoid pannus causing dramatic cervical myelopathy who failed to improve over a 6-month period and required anterior transodontoid pannus resection and decompression via EEA. The video can be found here: https://stream.cadmore.media/r10.3171/2024.1.FOCVID23176.
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OBJECTIVE: The traditional treatment of sellar Rathke cleft cysts (RCCs) generally involves transsellar drainage; however, suprasellar RCCs present unique challenges to appropriate management and technical complexity. Reports on overall outcomes for the endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) for this pathology are limited. The EEA for RCCs allows three surgical techniques: marsupialization, fenestration, and fenestration with cyst wall resection. METHODS: The authors performed a retrospective review of consecutive patients with RCCs that had been treated via an EEA at a single institution between January 2004 and May 2021. Marsupialization entailed the removal of cyst contents while maintaining a drainage pathway into the sphenoid sinus. Fenestration involved the removal of cyst contents, followed by separation from the sphenoid sinus, often with a free mucosal graft or vascularized nasoseptal flap. Cyst wall resection, either partial or complete, was added to select cases. RESULTS: A total of 148 patients underwent an EEA for RCC. Marsupialization or fenestration was performed in 88 cases (59.5%) and cyst wall resection in 60 (40.5%). Cysts were classified as having a purely sellar origin (43.2%), sellar origin with suprasellar extension (37.8%), and purely suprasellar origin (18.9%). Radiological recurrence was demonstrated in 22 cases (14.9%) at an average 39.7 months' follow-up (median 45 months, range 0.5-99 months), including 13 symptomatic cases (8.8%). Cases with cyst wall resection had no significantly different rate of recurrence (11.7% vs 15.9%, p = 0.48) or postoperative permanent anterior pituitary dysfunction (21.6% vs 12.5%, p = 0.29) compared to those of fenestrated and marsupialized cases. There was no significant difference in postoperative permanent posterior pituitary dysfunction based on technique, although such dysfunction tended to worsen with cyst wall resection (13.6% vs 4.0%, p = 0.09). Based on cyst location, purely suprasellar cysts were more likely to have a radiological recurrence (28.6%) than sellar cysts with suprasellar extension (12.5%) and purely sellar cysts (9.4%; p = 0.008). Most notably, of the 28 purely suprasellar cysts, selective cyst wall resection significantly improved the long-term (10-year) recurrence risk compared to fenestration alone (17.4% vs 80.0%, p = 0.0005) without any significant added risk of endocrinopathy. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic endonasal marsupialization or fenestration of sellar RCCs may be the ideal treatment strategy, whereas purely suprasellar cysts benefit from partial cyst wall resection to prevent recurrence. Selective cyst wall resection reduced long-term recurrence rates without significantly increasing rates of hypopituitarism.
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STUDY DESIGN: Technical Report. OBJECTIVE: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak secondary to anterior osteophytes at the cervico-thoracic junction is a rare cause of intracranial hypotension. In this article we describe a technique for anterior repair of spontaneous ventral cerebrospinal fluid leaks in the upper thoracic spine. METHODS: In this technical report and operative video, we describe a 23-year-old male who presented with positional headaches and bilateral subdural hematoma. Dynamic CT myelography demonstrated a high flow ventral cerebrospinal fluid leak associated with a ventral osteophyte at the level of the T1-T2 disc space. Targeted blood patch provided only temporary improvement in symptoms. An anterior approach was chosen to remove the offending spur and micro-surgically repair the dural defect. RESULTS: The patient had complete resolution of his preoperative symptoms after primary repair. CONCLUSIONS: In select cases, an anterior approach to the upper thoracic spine is effective to repair Type 1 cerebrospinal fluid leaks.
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OBJECTIVE: In mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE), the ideal surgical approach to achieve seizure freedom and minimize morbidity is an unsolved question. Selective approaches to mesial temporal structures often result in suboptimal seizure outcomes. The authors report the results of a pilot study intended to evaluate the clinical feasibility of using an endoscopic anterior transmaxillary (eATM) approach for minimally invasive management of MTLEs. METHODS: The study is a prospectively collected case series of four consecutive patients who underwent the eATM approach for the treatment of MTLE and were followed for a minimum of 12 months. All participants underwent an epilepsy workup and surgical care at a tertiary referral comprehensive epilepsy center and had medically refractory epilepsy. The noninvasive evaluations and intracranial recordings of these patients confirmed the presence of anatomically restricted epileptogenic zones located in the mesial temporal structures. Data on seizure freedom at 1 year, neuropsychological outcomes, diffusion tractography, and adverse events were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: By applying the eATM technique and approaching the far anterior temporal lobe regions, mesial-basal resections of the temporal polar areas and mesial temporal structures were successfully achieved in all patients (2 with left-sided approaches, 2 with right-sided approaches). No neurological complications or neuropsychological declines were observed. All 4 patients achieved Engel class Ia outcome up to the end of the follow-up period (19, 15, 14, and 12 months). One patient developed hypoesthesia in the left V2 distribution but there were no other adverse events. The low degree of white matter injury from the eATM approach was analyzed using high-definition fiber tractography in 1 patient as a putative mechanism for preserving neuropsychological function. CONCLUSIONS: The described series demonstrates the feasibility and potential safety profile of a novel approach for medically refractory MTLE. The study affirms the feasibility of performing efficacious mesial temporal lobe resections through an eATM approach.
Subject(s)
Epilepsy, Temporal Lobe , Epilepsy , Humans , Epilepsy, Temporal Lobe/diagnostic imaging , Epilepsy, Temporal Lobe/surgery , Feasibility Studies , Pilot Projects , Treatment Outcome , Temporal Lobe/diagnostic imaging , Temporal Lobe/surgery , Hippocampus/surgeryABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Meningiomas in children are uncommon, with distinct characteristics that set them apart from their adult counterparts. The existing evidence for stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) in this patient population is limited to only case series. The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of SRS in managing pediatric meningiomas. METHODS: Children and adolescents who had been treated for meningioma with single-fraction SRS were included in this retrospective, multicenter study. The assessment included local tumor control, any complications related to the tumor or SRS, and the emergence of new neurological deficits after SRS. RESULTS: The cohort included 57 patients (male-to-female ratio 1.6:1) with a mean age of 14.4 years who were managed with single-fraction SRS for 78 meningiomas. The median radiological and clinical follow-up periods were 69 months (range, 6-268) and 71 months (range, 6-268), respectively. At the last follow-up, tumor control (tumor stability and regression) was achieved in 69 (85.9%) tumors. Post-SRS, new neurological deficits occurred in 2 (3.5%) patients. Adverse radiation effects occurred in 5 (8.8%) patients. A de novo aneurysm was observed in a patient 69 months after SRS. CONCLUSION: SRS seems to be a safe and effective up-front or adjuvant treatment option for surgically inaccessible, recurrent, or residual pediatric meningiomas.
Subject(s)
Meningeal Neoplasms , Meningioma , Radiosurgery , Adult , Child , Humans , Male , Female , Adolescent , Meningioma/radiotherapy , Meningioma/surgery , Treatment Outcome , Radiosurgery/adverse effects , Follow-Up Studies , Retrospective Studies , Meningeal Neoplasms/radiotherapy , Meningeal Neoplasms/surgeryABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The microscopic transciliary SupraOrbital keyhole (mtSO) approach has been used for a wide variety of anterior and middle fossa pathologies, including aneurysms, meningiomas, craniopharyngiomas, and other skull-base tumors. Several clinical series have proven its efficacy and safety, but detailed anatomical demarcations of the anterior and middle cranial base exposure are lacking. Our aim was to define the surgical limitations of the mtSO approach to the ipsilateral and contralateral anterior and middle skull base. METHODS: Five cadaveric specimens (10 sides) were studied with image guidance to illustrate the limits of the surgical exposure. In addition, 30 dry skulls were used to measure the working distances between the craniotomy and key bony landmarks of the mtSO approach. RESULTS: Surgical exposure at the anterior skull base covered the area between the medial half of the contra- and the medial two-thirds of the ipsilateral sphenoid wing including both optic nerves and interoptic space. The anterior limit at the midline was the sphenoethmoidal suture. Ipsilateral anterior clinoidectomy permitted exposure of the superior orbital fissure, which defined the anteromedial limit at the middle fossa, whereas the anterolateral limit was defined by the ophthalmic branch of the trigeminal nerve. Moreover, the posteromedial and posterolateral limits were the posterior clinoid process and the petrous ridge, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings define the surgical limitations of the mtSO approach for the treatment of anterior and middle cranial base pathologies. These limits can be reliably identified on imaging studies allowing assessment of exposure to guide preoperative case selection.
Subject(s)
Meningeal Neoplasms , Pituitary Neoplasms , Humans , Neurosurgical Procedures/methods , Skull Base/surgery , Craniotomy/methods , Meningeal Neoplasms/surgery , Pituitary Neoplasms/surgeryABSTRACT
Huntington's disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor, psychiatric, and cognitive symptoms. Due to its diverse manifestations, the scientific community has long recognized the need for sensitive, objective, individualized, and dynamic disease assessment tools. We examined the feasibility of Differential Tractography as a biomarker to evaluate correlation of symptom severity and of HD progression at the individual level. Differential tractography is a novel tractography modality that maps pathways with axonal injury characterized by a decrease of anisotropic diffusion pattern. We recruited sixteen patients scanned at 0-, 6-, and 12-month intervals by diffusion MRI scans for differential tractography assessment and correlated its volumetric findings with the Unified Huntington's Disease Rating Scale (UHDRS). Deterministic fiber tracking algorithm was applied. Longitudinal data was modeled using the generalized estimating equation (GEE) model and correlated with UHDRS scores, in addition to Spearman correlation for cross-sectional data. Our results show that volumes of affected pathways revealed by differential tractography significantly correlated with UHDRS scores in longitudinal data (p-value < 0.001), and chronological changes in differential tractography also correlated with the changes in UHDRS (p-value < 0.001). This technique opens new clinical avenues as a clinical translational tool to evaluate presymptomatic and symptomatic gene positive individuals. Our results provide support that differential tractography has the potential to be used as a dynamic imaging biomarker to assess at the individual level in a non-invasive manner, disease progression in HD. Critically important, differential tractography proves to be a quantitative tool for following degeneration in presymptomatic patients, with potential applications in clinical trials.
Subject(s)
Huntington Disease , Biomarkers , Cross-Sectional Studies , Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Humans , Huntington Disease/genetics , Pilot ProjectsABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The current pandemic crisis, caused by a novel human coronavirus named severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2), has forced a dramatic change in our society. A key portion of the medical work force on the frontline is composed of resident physicians. Thus, it becomes imperative to create an adequate and effective action plan to restructure this valuable human resource amid the SARS-CoV2 pandemic. We sought to describe a comprehensive approach taken by a Neurosurgery Department in quaternary care academic institution in the United States of America amid the SARS-CoV2 pandemic focused in resident training and support. OBJECTIVE: To describe a comprehensive approach taken by a Neurosurgery Department in quaternary care academic institution in the United States of America amid the SARS-CoV2 pandemic focused on resident training and support. RESULTS: A restructuring of the Neurosurgery Department at our academic institution was performed focused on decreasing their risk of infection/exposure and transmission to others, while minimizing negative consequences in the training experience. An online academic platform was built for resident education, guidance, and support, as well as continue channel for pandemic update by the department leadership. CONCLUSIONS: The SARS-CoV2 pandemic constitutes a global health emergency full of uncertainty. Treatment, scope, duration, and economic burden forced a major restructuring of our medical practice. In this regard, academic institutions must direct efforts to diminish further negative impact in the training and education of the upcoming generation of physicians, including those currently in medical school. Perhaps the only silver lining in this terrible disruption will be greater appreciation of the role of current health care providers and educators, whose contributions to our society are often neglected or unrecognized.
Subject(s)
COVID-19/surgery , Internship and Residency , Neurosurgery , SARS-CoV-2/pathogenicity , COVID-19/virology , Coronavirus/pathogenicity , Health Personnel , Humans , United StatesABSTRACT
In this 3D video we review the case of a pontomesencephalic cavernous malformation in a 27-year-old woman who presented with hemiparesis and diplopia. The cavernous malformation was completely resected through a subtemporal transtentorial approach and an epitrigeminal brainstem entry zone, with a significant improvement in the patient's hemiparesis. The relevant anatomy is reviewed in detail through multiple anatomical brainstem dissection specimens, as well as high-definition fiber tractography images. The rationale for the approach is analyzed relative to other possible options, and a number of technical pearls are provided. The video can be found here: https://youtu.be/8EoIWL7XqAc.
ABSTRACT
In this 3D video we review the case of a lower pontine cavernous malformation in a 31-year-old man who presented with hemiparesis and an abducens palsy. The cavernous malformation was completely resected through a far lateral approach and a peritrigeminal brainstem entry zone, with a significant improvement in the patient's hemiparesis. The relevant anatomy is reviewed in detail through multiple anatomical brainstem dissection specimens, as well as high-definition fiber tractography images. The rationale for the approach is analyzed relative to other possible options, and a number of technical pearls are provided. The video can be found here: https://youtu.be/fH2Q7RjlBKQ.
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BACKGROUND: The endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) was recently added to the neurosurgical armamentarium as an alternative approach to the petrous apex (PA) region. However, the maximal extension, anatomical landmarks, and indications of this procedure remain to be established. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the limitations and suggest a classification of PA lesions for endoscopic petrosectomy. METHODS: Five anatomical specimens were dissected with EEA to the PA. Anatomical landmarks for the surgical steps and maximal limits were noted. Pre- and postprocedural computed tomographic scan and image-guidance were used. Relevant surgical cases were reviewed and presented. RESULTS: We defined 3 types of petrosectomy: medial, inferior, and inferomedial. Medial petrosectomy was limited within the paraclival internal carotid artery (ICA) anteriorly, lacerum ICA inferiorly, abducens nerve superiorly, and petrous ICA laterally. Among those, abducens nerve and petrous ICA are surgical limits. Full skeletonization of the paraclival ICA and removal of the lingual process are essential for better access to the medial aspect of PA. Inferior petrosectomy was defined by the lacerum foramen synchondrosis anteriorly, jugular foramen inferiorly, internal acoustic canal posteriorly, and PA superolaterally. Those are surgical limits except for the foramen lacerum synchondrosis. The connective tissue at the pterygosphenoidal fissure was a key landmark for the sublacerum approach. Clinical cases in 3 types of PA lesions were presented. CONCLUSION: The EEA provides access to the medial and inferior aspects of the PA. Several technical maneuvers, including paraclival and lacerum ICA skeletonization, sublacerum approach, and lingual process removal, are key to maximize PA drilling.
Subject(s)
Nasal Cavity/surgery , Neuroendoscopy/methods , Neurosurgical Procedures/methods , Petrous Bone/surgery , Skull Neoplasms/surgery , Adult , Cadaver , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Nasal Cavity/diagnostic imaging , Nasal Cavity/pathology , Petrous Bone/diagnostic imaging , Petrous Bone/pathology , Skull Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Skull Neoplasms/pathologyABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Epidermoid cysts within the sylvian fissure are extremely rare. Expressive aphasia and neurocognitive dysfunction because of mass effect have never been reported previously. CASE PRESENTATION: We discuss the case of a 53-year-old male who presented with an acute episode of expressive aphasia and vision changes along with progressive headaches and cognitive slowing over the 2.5 years prior to presentation. A detailed neurologic examination revealed subtle conductive aphasia, as well as mild short-term memory dysfunction. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a cystic mass consistent with epidermoid cyst within the left sylvian fissure. High-definition fiber tractography showed that the arcuate fasciculus was stretched by the tumor. A left frontotemporal craniotomy allowed for near-total excision of the cyst and led to rapid and complete resolution of symptoms. CONCLUSION: Although rare, epidermoid cysts of the dominant sylvian fissure can present with progressive aphasia due to mass effect on the arcuate fasciculus. Despite the long-standing symptoms, surgical resection can lead to their complete resolution.
Subject(s)
Aphasia, Broca/diagnosis , Aphasia/diagnosis , Brain Diseases/diagnosis , Cognitive Dysfunction/diagnosis , Epidermal Cyst/diagnosis , Temporal Lobe , Acute Disease , Aphasia/pathology , Aphasia/surgery , Aphasia, Broca/pathology , Aphasia, Broca/surgery , Brain Diseases/pathology , Brain Diseases/surgery , Cognitive Dysfunction/pathology , Cognitive Dysfunction/surgery , Craniotomy , Diffusion Tensor Imaging , Epidermal Cyst/pathology , Epidermal Cyst/surgery , Humans , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Male , Middle Aged , Temporal Lobe/pathology , Temporal Lobe/surgeryABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE Surgical approaches to the ventrolateral pons pose a significant challenge. In this report, the authors describe a safe entry zone to the brainstem located just above the trigeminal entry zone which they refer to as the "epitrigeminal entry zone." METHODS The approach is presented in the context of an illustrative case of a cavernous malformation and is compared with the other commonly described approaches to the ventrolateral pons. The anatomical nuances were analyzed in detail with the aid of surgical images and video, anatomical dissections, and high-definition fiber tractography (HDFT). In addition, using the HDFT maps obtained in 77 normal subjects (154 sides), the authors performed a detailed anatomical study of the surgically relevant distances between the trigeminal entry zone and the corticospinal tracts. RESULTS The patient treated with this approach had a complete resection of his cavernous malformation, and improvement of his symptoms. With regard to the HDFT anatomical study, the average direct distance of the corticospinal tracts from the trigeminal entry zone was 12.6 mm (range 8.7-17 mm). The average vertical distance was 3.6 mm (range -2.3 to 8.7 mm). The mean distances did not differ significantly from side to side, or across any of the groups studied (right-handed, left-handed, and ambidextrous). CONCLUSIONS The epitrigeminal entry zone to the brainstem appears to be safe and effective for treating intrinsic ventrolateral pontine pathological entities. A possible advantage of this approach is increased versatility in the rostrocaudal axis, providing access both above and below the trigeminal nerve. Familiarity with the subtemporal transtentorial approach, and the reliable surgical landmark of the trigeminal entry zone, should make this a straightforward approach.
Subject(s)
Brain Stem/surgery , Neurosurgical Procedures/methods , Adult , Brain Stem/anatomy & histology , Brain Stem/diagnostic imaging , Brain Stem/pathology , Female , Hemangioma, Cavernous, Central Nervous System/diagnostic imaging , Hemangioma, Cavernous, Central Nervous System/pathology , Hemangioma, Cavernous, Central Nervous System/surgery , Humans , Male , Trigeminal Nerve/anatomy & histology , Trigeminal Nerve/diagnostic imaging , Trigeminal Nerve/pathology , Young AdultABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Iatrogenic tumor seeding after open surgery for chordoma has been well described in the literature. The incidence and particularities related to endoscopic endonasal surgery (EES) have not been defined. METHODS: The authors retrospectively reviewed their experience with EES for clival chordoma, focusing on cases with iatrogenic seeding. The clinical, radiographic, pathological, and molecular characterization data were reviewed. RESULTS: Among 173 EESs performed for clival chordomas at the authors' institution between April 2003 and May 2016, 2 cases complicated by iatrogenic seeding (incidence 1.15%) were identified. The first case was a 10-year-old boy, who presented 21 months after an EES for a multiply recurrent clival chordoma with a recurrence along the left inferior turbinate, distinct from a right petrous apex recurrence. Both appeared as a T2-hypertintense, T1-isointense, and heterogeneously enhancing lesion on MRI. Resection of the inferior turbinate recurrence and debulking of the petrous recurrence were both performed via a purely endoscopic endonasal approach. Unfortunately, the child died 2 years later due progression of disease at the primary site, but with no sign of progression at the seeded site. The second patient was a 79-year-old man with an MRI-incompatible pacemaker who presented 19 months after EES for his clival chordoma with a mass involving the floor of the left nasal cavity that was causing an oro-antral fistula. On CT imaging, this appeared as a homogeneously contrast-enhancing mass eroding the hard palate inferiorly, the nasal septum superiorly, and the nasal process of the maxilla, with extension into the subcutaneous tissue. This was also treated endoscopically (combined transnasal-transoral approach) with resection of the mass, and repair of the fistula by using a palatal and left lateral wall rotational flap. Adjuvant hypofractionated stereotactic CyberKnife radiotherapy was administered using 35 Gy in 5 fractions. No recurrence was appreciated endoscopically or on imaging at the patient's last follow-up, 12 months after this last procedure. In both cases, pathological investigation of the original tumors revealed a fairly aggressive biology with 1p36 deletions, and high Ki-67 levels (10%-15%, and > 20%, respectively). The procedures were performed by a team of right-handed surgeons (otolaryngology and neurosurgery), using a 4-handed technique (in which the endoscope and suction are typically passed through the right nostril, and other instruments are passed through the left nostril without visualization). CONCLUSIONS: Although uncommon, iatrogenic seeding occurs during EES for clival chordomas, probably because of decreased visualization during tumor removal combined with mucosal trauma and exposure of subepithelial elements (either inadvertently or because of mucosal flaps). In addition, tumors with more aggressive biology (1p36 deletions, elevated Ki-67, or both) are probably at a higher risk and require increased vigilance on surveillance imaging and endoscopy. Further prospective studies are warranted to evaluate the authors' proposed strategies for decreasing the incidence of iatrogenic seeding after EES for chordomas.