Superior cerebellar artery aneurysms treated using the sole stenting approach. Technical note.

Endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms has evolved since the introduction of detachable coils. Sole stenting is a brand-new technique that has recently emerged as a definitive treatment for saccular or fusiform aneurysms at particular locations. Superior cerebellar artery aneurysms are rare, and few treated cases have been reported. Most of them have been treated surgically, and endovascular cases usually have been managed with occlusion of the parent vessel. The authors report on the first two endovascularly treated cases with complete cure of the aneurysm as well as preservation of the parent vessel and distal circulation via the sole stenting technique. The results together with several aspects of the technique, such as the correction of the angle of the vessel and modification of the shear stress, are discussed.

Multimodal management of craniopharyngiomas: neuroendoscopy, microsurgery, and radiosurgery.

OBJECT: The goal of this study was to examine the role of gamma knife radiosurgery (GKS) and adjuvant neuroendoscopic procedures by assessing the outcome in 10 patients with craniopharyngiomas who were treated between 1998 and 2001. METHODS: In 10 consecutive patients (six males and four females, mean age 12 years [range 7-32 years]), there were nine mixed and one solid craniopharyngioma. In the last three cases, neuroendoscopic procedures were conducted. Two cases required insertion of an Ommaya reservoir. In another case partial removal of the cyst wall was performed using an endoscope to create a communication with the cerebrospinal pathways and thereby preclude the need for shunt insertion. CONCLUSIONS: Multimodal management of craniopharyngiomas seems to provide a better rate of survival and greater long-term disease control. It is suggested that GKS combined with adjuvant neuroendoscopy should be used as an alternative in treating recurrent or residual craniopharyngiomas if additional microsurgical removal cannot guarantee a cure.