Retrochiasmatic craniopharyngiomas are difficult to treat due to their close proximity to critical neurovascular structures. Several surgical approaches with distinct advantages and limitations have been described to access these tumors, including extended transnasal endoscopic approach (ETEA), subtemporal, translamina terminalis, and transpetrosal approach.1-3
We present a 51-yr-old male with a large retrochiasmatic craniopharyngioma extending into the third ventricle, causing obstructive hydrocephalus. Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a tumor cyst abutting the fornices expanding the space between two internal cerebral veins (ICV). After surgical consent, we decided to take advantage of this corridor to approach the tumor in its long axis. Surgical goal was to achieve cyst decompression with “safe maximal” resection of the solid component at last to preserve the pituitary function. Though the long axis of the tumor could be approached using ETEA, we preferred this approach in view of cyst decompression early in the surgery while completely avoiding risks such as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea, internal carotid artery (ICA) injury, and sinonasal complications. We utilized a 3-dimensional 4 K exoscope, which provides an excellent ergonomic position, and a high-resolution immersive view compared to a microscope or endoscope. Cyst decompression and near-total resection of the solid component was achieved. Postoperatively, his headaches improved and he was neurologically intact with intact neuroendocrine function. Approach-related risks may include but not limited to hemorrhage due to the rupture of venous sinuses or ICV, stalk or hypothalamus injury, and memory disturbances due to forniceal injury. To conclude, the transcallosal, interforniceal approach to retrochiasmatic craniopharyngiomas may provide a safe surgical corridor in select cases.
Patient consented to the proposed procedure. All radiological images have been anonymized. IRB/ethics committee approval was not required.
Complete obliteration of arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) using a transvenous approach as the primary and stand-alone treatment modality has been increasingly considered as a useful endovascular approach in the treatment of AVMs. AVMs are typically treated with microsurgery, stereotactic radiosurgery, endovascular embolization, or some combination of the three methods. Preservation of the draining vein is a key requisite common to all treatment modalities. Transvenous embolization (TVE) is conventionally not recommended as a stand-alone treatment for the vast majority of AVMs and has been thought to be best indicated when traditional approaches are considered less safe and when specific evaluation criteria are met. We report a case of a 35-year-old asymptomatic male diagnosed with a small intracranial AVM adjacent to the right motor strip which was managed utilizing this approach. We employed endovascular embolization via a transvenous approach with arterial balloon assistance due to the small size of the nidus, eloquent location, en passage arterial supply proximal to the venous varix, and a single draining vein from the fistula. This case illustrates the selective indications and technical nuances of TVE approach in managing AVMs as a potential upfront treatment option. When patients harbor AVMs with specific angio-architectural findings as outlined, TVE utilizing Onyx or N-butyl cyanoacrylate can be safely performed as a primary treatment modality.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.