Complete Resection of an Intradural Extramedullary Foramen Magnum Cavernous Malformation (original) (raw)

Benign extramedullary tumors in the foramen magnum region

Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery, 1994

We present 16 cases of benign extramedullary tumors of the foramen magnum region who were operated on between the years 1984 and 1992. On admission, no case was neurologically intact and over 50% had had symptoms for more than 1 year. Nine patients had erroneous diagnoses initially. CT myelography and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging were the most appropriate diagnostic tools in visualizing tumors of this region. All operations except one, were performed by the posterior approach without surgical mortality. Histopathological examination revealed 8 meningiomas, 6 neurinomas, one tuberculous abscess and one neurenteric cyst which has not been reported at this location before. Patients with minor to moderate disability on admission showed good functional results without any recurrences during follow-up.

Benign Extramedullary Tumors of the Foramen Magnum

Advances and Technical Standards in Neurosurgery, 1988

above the level of the foramen and courses anterolaterally to emerge from the hypoglossal canal. All these structures may easily be affected by intradural foramen magnum masses which, in their upward extension, may even dislodge the IX-X complex, the basilar artery and, more rarely, other cerebellopontine angle nerves, and inferiorly may reach occasionally C 3 as 84 B. GUIDETTI and A.

Benign tumors of the foramen magnum

Journal of Neurosurgery, 1984

✓ The authors reviewed 102 documented cases of benign extramedullary tumors of the foramen magnum treated at their institution between 1924 and 1982. There was 78 meningiomas, 23 neurofibromas, and one teratoma. Approximately 40% of the patients had a normal neurological examination upon first evaluation. The most frequent presenting complaints were suboccipital neck pain, dysesthesias, gait disturbances, weakness, and hand clumsiness. The average time from initial symptoms to diagnosis was 2¼ years. The most common findings included hyperreflexia, arm or hand weakness, Babinski sign, spastic gait, sensory loss, and 11th cranial nerve involvement. Based on these cases, an attempt is made to distinguish foramen magnum tumors from other disease entities by a grouping of signs and symptoms. There is no clinical finding that is pathognomonic. Metrizamide computerized tomography scanning and Pantopaque myelography have been the radiographic tests most commonly used to evaluate the forame...

Far lateral approach without occipital condylar resection for intradural ventral/ventrolateral foramen magnum tumors and aneurysms of V4 segment of vertebral artery: Review of surgical results

Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery, 2020

Background: Controversies exist regarding the need and extent of condylar resection for safe surgical management of intradural ventral/ventrolateral foramen magnum (VFM) tumors and aneurysms of V4 segment of vertebral artery (VA) by far lateral approach. This retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the results of basic far lateral approach(retrocondylar approach) without upfront occipital condylar resection. Methods and Results: Twenty one patients underwent surgery via far lateral approach for intradural VFM tumors and aneurysms of V4 segment of VA at Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences during 9 years (2008-2016) study period. Eight patients had VA aneurysms and 13 patients had intradural VFM tumors. After basic far lateral approach(retrocondylar approach), dura was opened and checked if the exposure was adequate for safe surgery. Retrocondylar approach provided adequate exposure for all these lesions and resection of occipital condyle/jugular tubercle was not required in any of these cases. Skeletonization or transposition of VA was not done in any of these cases. Gross total resection of the tumor could be done in 9 patients(9/13-69.2 %) and near total excision (>95 %) in 4 patients (4/13-30.8 %). Seven of the 8 VA aneurysms were successfully clipped. Outcome at a final follow up of 3 months or more was good(mRS<2) in 19 patients(19/21-90.5 %) and poor in 2 patients. Complications included lower cranial nerve deficits [transient-2/21(9.5 %), persisting-2/21 (9.5 %)], motor deficits(2/21− 9.5%), seventh nerve paresis(1/21− 4.8%), sixth nerve paresis(2/21− 9.5%) and pseudomeningocele(1/21− 4.8%). Conclusion: Basic far lateral (retrocondylar) approach provides excellent exposure for majority of VFM tumors and aneurysms of V4 segment of VA. Condylar resection(transcondylar approach), drilling of jugular tubercle (transtubercular approach), skeletonization/transposition of VA might not be required for safe surgical management of majority of these lesions.

Cavernous hemangioma located at the foramen of Monro: Radiopathological correlation

Indian Journal of Radiology and Imaging, 2013

Intraventricular cavernous hemangiomas are rare. Amongst them, cavernomas located at the foramen of Monro are of greater interest because of their rare location, varied symptoms, and often association with hydrocephalus. We present a rare case of cavernous hemangioma located at foramen of Monro, with its radiopathological confi rmation.

Approaches to anterior and anterolateral foramen magnum lesions: A critical review

Journal of Craniovertebral Junction and Spine, 2010

Foramen magnum (FM) lesions represent some of the most complex cases for the modern neurosurgeon because of their location near vital brainstem structures, the vertebral arteries, and lower cranial nerves. In particular, anterior or anterolaterally located FM tumors have traditionally been most diffi cult to resect with high morbidity and mortality resulting from approaches through the posterior midline or transorally. For many neurosurgeons, the far lateral, extreme lateral approach, and more recently, endoscopic endonasal approaches have become the preferred modern methods for the resection of anterior or anterolateral FM tumors. In this review, we examine both operative and non-operative approaches to FM tumors, including surgical anatomy, surgical technique, and indications for operative intervention in these complex cases. In addition, we compared outcomes from prior series.