Minimally Invasive Interhemispheric Approach for Giant Olfactory Groove Meningioma: Technical Note.

BACKGROUND: Skull base tumors, such as large olfactory groove meningiomas (OGMs), are a challenge for neurosurgeons. However, the tendency to reduce invasive surgeries is gaining more adepts. We describe a minimally invasive interhemispheric approach with a falx window for microsurgical resection of the giant OGM as a technical note. METHODS: A minimal medial frontal craniotomy measuring 3-5 cm in size is performed, and an interhemispheric approach is combined with an opening in the falx to improve microsurgical resection of the giant OGM. The technique and more details are described. RESULTS: A minimally invasive interhemispheric approach with a falx window was performed in this case. Gross total resection of the OGM was possible with minimal brain retraction. Simpson grade I was achieved, and there was a good outcome on the postoperative recovery period of the patient, with vision improvement, preservation of olfaction, and no other complications. CONCLUSIONS: The minimally invasive interhemispheric approach with a falx window is effective and safe for giant OGM with a good outcome for the patient. The opening in the falx improves the interhemispheric pathway and allows gross total resection with minimal brain retraction and low morbidity.

Giant pseudoaneurysm originated from distal middle cerebral artery dissection treated by trapping under sensitive evoked potential and motor evoked potential monitoring: Case report and discussion.

BACKGROUND: Dissecting giant pseudoaneurysm of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) is a rare lesion often presenting challenges to neurosurgical teams dealing with this specific pathology. Giant pseudoaneurysm originating from a dissecting distal segment of the MCA treated with aneurysm trapping under motor and sensitive evoked potential monitoring with a successful outcome is presented in the article followed by a brief discussion on the subject. CASE DESCRIPTION: A case of a previously healthy young female patient admitted at the emergency room of Santa Paula Hospital with a history of a sudden headache and syncope, dysphasia, and Grade 4 right hemiparesis due to a large brain hemorrhage secondary to a 25 mm ruptured pseudoaneurysm originated from a distal left MCA dissecting segment is described. Because the patient risked neurological worsening, aneurysm was treated with parent and efferent vessel trapping technique and no changes on the sensitive and motor evoked potential (MEP) from baseline informed on this decision. Hemorrhage was completely drained after aneurysm was secured. CONCLUSION: Neurophysiological sensitive and MEP monitoring, on this specific case was a valuable tool and informed on the decision of trapping of this large vascular lesion.

Giant clival chordoma causing pathological laughter.

BACKGROUND: Chordomas are rare slowly growing tumors that originate from remnants of the notochord. They have a malignant local behavior, causing symptoms due to bone infiltration and compression of neurovascular structures. Only a few cases of brain tumors associated with pathological laughter have been reported in the literature. CASE DESCRIPTION: We report a case of a 42-year-old male patient with this atypical clinical presentation treated at our institution, and discuss the concerning literature. CONCLUSION: Although being a very rare presentation of chordomas, pathological laughter is usually expected to improve after brain stem decompression.

Endoscopic assisted microneurosurgery for gasserian portion of trigeminal neuroma: two cases.

We report two cases of trigeminal neuroma that were operated on by the neurosurgery team at Felício Rocho Hospital, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. Endoscopic assisted microsurgery was the technique used to approach the gasserian region tumor with good results.

Endoscopic assisted microneurosurgery for gasserian portion of trigeminal neuroma: two cases / Microneurocirurgia assistida por endoscópio para abordagem da porção gasseriana do neurinoma do trigêmeo: relato de dois casos

We report two cases of trigeminal neuroma that were operated on by the neurosurgery team at Felício Rocho Hospital, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. Endoscopic assisted microsurgery was the technique used to approach the gasserian region tumor with good results.

Descrevemos dois casos de neurinoma do trigêmeo operados no Serviço de Neurocirurgia do Hospital Felício Rocho, Belo Horizonte, Estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil. Utilizamos com sucesso a microcirurgia assistida por endoscopia para abordagem de tumores da porção gasseriana.