Extremely Rare Pathologies of the Craniovertebral Junction Region: A Case Series and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Background: The craniovertebral junction is a complex region, connecting the occiput, the atlas, the axis, and the containing vital neural and vascular structures. There is a great variability in diseases involving the craniovertebral junction, of different nature, each rare in frequency. Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of the patients diagnosed with extremely rare pathologies of the craniovertebral junction that we have operated in the last 5 years. Results: After excluding the relatively more frequent pathologies, we identified nine cases of rare craniovertebral junction pathologies. Six were operated using an endoscopic endonasal approach, two using a far lateral transcranial approach, and one underwent a C1 hemilaminectomy. Conclusions: Diagnosis and management of the rare pathologies of the craniovertebral junction are challenging. A multidisciplinary approach is recommended for the proper management of these patients.

Case report: Unilateral paralysis of the hypoglossal nerve as the only clinical sign of clivus meningioma - a case report and literature review

“…A voluminous extradural mass replacing the left condyle and eroding part of the lower clivus was diagnosed. It was histologically confirmed as meningioma, without relapse after five years ( 30 ).…”