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Traditional microsurgical approaches for addressing intraventricular craniopharyngioma provide limited access to the retrochiasmatic area and tumors with significant lateral or rostrocaudal extensions. Extended endoscopic endonasal approaches can effectively overcome many of limitations, yet they require a favorable working angle between the optic chiasm and pituitary gland, as well as the involvement of the third ventricle floor by the tumor. Herein, the authors describe the surgical nuances of a keyhole technique for resecting third ventricle craniopharyngiomas via a fully endoscopic minimally invasive trans-eyebrow supraorbital translaminar approach (ESOTLA). A case description detailing the key surgical steps and application of the approach is provided, along with a series of cadaveric photographs to highlight the relevant anatomy and step-by-step dissection process. The patient is a 44-year-old man who presented with polyuria, low urine specific gravity, and panhypopituitarism. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed a solid-cystic heterogeneous-enhanced retrochiasmatic mass within the third ventricle, consistent with craniopharyngioma. A 1-stage ESOTLA was indicated based on the narrow pituitary-chiasm angle and the high functional status of the patient. Near-total resection was achieved, and no new postoperative neurologic or endocrine change was observed. Targeted therapy was implemented based on the histologic result, and the most recent surveillance magnetic resonance imaging showed no evidence of the residual tumor. By combining a keyhole approach with variable-angle endoscopic visualization through a smaller bony and soft tissue exposure, ESOTLA can provide enhanced illumination within the third ventricle, potentially addressing cosmetic concerns and limited exposure area/angle of freedom associated with its conventional microsurgical counterpart. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Patients with oligodendrogliomas with allelic loss of chromosomal arm 1p and 19q have been shown, especially with anaplastic oligodendrogliomas, to have both a better initial and long-term response to chemotherapy as well as an improved overall survival. Effective treatment of patients with brain tumors requires accurate diagnostic techniques. MR imaging can be used to help differentiate between low- and high-grade tumors. We hypothesize that certain MR imaging characteristics can be used to differentiate between patients with and without 1p and 19q deletion. Methods: Using the clinical database at the University of Virginia Neuro-Oncology Center, we identified adult patients with grade II and III oligodendroglial tumors who underwent treatment from 2002 to 2007. Age at diagnosis, gender, tumor grade, chromosomal deletion status, duration of follow-up, and MR imaging characteristics were analyzed; the latter was read by a blinded neuroradiologist. Results: One hundred and four patients met the inclusion criteria. Of these patients, 44 manifested 1p/19q co-deletion and 60 patients lacked this deletion. The greatest cross-sectional area (mean) of the tumor measured 23.4 cm for patients with the co-deletion and 31.7 cm for patients with intact alleles ( p = 0.008). In addition, inner table thinning was noted directly adjacent to seven tumors with intact 1p and 19q alleles and in no tumors with the 1p/19q co-deletion ( p = 0.020). Amongst patients with pure oligodendrogliomas, those with 1p/19q co-deletion had tumors more often confined to a single lobe as compared with those patients without the co-deletion ( p = 0.023). Finally, tumors with intact alleles were more often found in the temporal lobe (45.0%) as compared with co-deleted tumors (22.7%) ( p = 0.011). Conclusion: MR imaging is a valuable imaging modality for differentiating between oligodendrogliomas with or without the 1p/19q deletion. While imaging will never replace definitive tissue diagnosis, imaging characteristics such as tumor size, location, and overlying skull thinning can assist clinicians in assessing patients with oligodendroglial tumors prior to surgical or medical intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is characterized by paroxysmal episodes of severe shocklike orofacial pain typically resulting from arterial compression on the trigeminal root entry zone. However, neurovascular conflict in more proximal parts of the trigeminal pathway within the pons is extremely rare. The authors present a case of microvascular decompression for TN caused by dual arterial compression on the dorsolateral pons, along with a brief literature review. Our patient was a 74-year-old man with episodic left-sided facial stabbing pain. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed a dual arterial compression on dorsolateral pons, the known site of the trigeminal sensory nucleus and descending trigeminal tract. Microvascular decompression was performed via a retrosigmoid approach. Complete pain relief and partial improvement of the facial hypesthesia were achieved immediately after surgery and the Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI) pain intensity score improved from V to I, and the BNI hypesthesia score decreased from III to II within a month following surgery. The literature review identified 1 case of TN secondary to an arteriovenous malformation in root entry zone with lateral pontine extension. One month following partial coagulation of the draining vein, the patient was reportedly able to reduce medication dosage by half to achieve an improvement of BNI pain intensity score from V to IIIa. Neurovascular compression in the trigeminal tract and nucleus is a rare but potential cause of TN. A thorough investigation of the trigeminal pathway should be considered during preoperative evaluation and intraoperative inspection, particularly if no clear offending vessel is identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among patients with clinical hemifacial spasm (HFS), imaging exams aim to identify the neurovascular conflict (NVC) location. It has been proven that the identification in the preoperative exam increases the rate of surgical success. Despite the description of specific magnetic resonance image (MRI) acquisitions, the site of neurovascular compression is not always visualized. The authors describe a new MRI finding that helps in the diagnosis of HFS, and evaluate the sensitivity, specificity, and interobserver correlation of the described sign. A cross-sectional study including cases of hemifacial spasm treated surgically from 1 August 2011 to 31 July 2021 was performed. The MRIs of the cases were independently evaluated by two experienced neuroradiologists, who were blinded regarding the side of the symptom. The neuroradiologists were assigned to evaluate the MRIs in two separate moments. Primarily, they evaluated whether there was a neurovascular conflict based on the standard technique. Following this initial analysis, the neuroradiologists received a file with the description of the novel sign, named Prevedello Sign (PS). In a second moment, the same neuroradiologists were asked to identify the presence of the PS and, if it was present, to report on which side. A total of 35 patients were included, mostly females (65.7%) with a mean age of 59.02 (+0.48). Since the 35 cases were independently evaluated by two neuroradiologists, a total of 70 reports were included in the analysis. The PS was present in 66 patients (sensitivity of 94.2%, specificity of 91.4% and positive predictive value of 90.9%). When both analyses were performed in parallel (standard plus PS), the sensitivity increased to 99.2%. Based on the findings of this study, the authors conclude that PS is helpful in determining the neurovascular conflict location in patients with HFS. Its presence, combined with the standard evaluation, increases the sensitivity of the MRI to over 99%, without increasing risks of harm to patients or resulting in additional costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Suprasellar extension, cavernous sinus invasion, and involvement of intracranial vascular structures and cranial nerves are among the challenges faced by surgeons operating on giant pituitary macroadenomas. Intraoperative tissue shifts may render neuronavigation techniques inaccurate. Intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging can solve this problem, but it may be costly and time consuming. However, intraoperative ultrasonography (IOUS) allows for quick, real-time feedback and may be particularly useful when facing giant invasive adenomas. Here, we present the first study examining technique for IOUS-guided resection specifically focusing on giant pituitary adenomas. To describe the use of a side-firing ultrasound probe in the resection of giant pituitary macroadenomas. We describe an operative technique using a side-firing ultrasound probe (Fujifilm/Hitachi) to identify the diaphragma sellae, confirm optic chiasm decompression, identify vascular structures related to tumor invasion, and maximize extent of resection in giant pituitary macroadenomas. Side-firing IOUS allows for identification of the diaphragma sellae to help prevent intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak and maximize extent of resection. Side-firing IOUS also aids in confirmation of decompression of the optic chiasm via identification of a patent chiasmatic cistern. Furthermore, direct identification of the cavernous and supraclinoid internal carotid arteries and arterial branches is achieved when resecting tumors with significant parasellar and suprasellar extension. We describe an operative technique in which side-firing IOUS may assist in maximizing extent of resection and protecting vital structures during surgery for giant pituitary adenomas. Use of this technology may be particularly valuable in settings in which intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging is not available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Recently, stereotactic-guided removal of intraparenchymal lesions using endoscopic visualization through a brain port has been successfully reported. Although endoneurosurgical tumor resection uses the same principles as those used in microneurosurgery, the ability to control bleeding through the port requires an adapted technique. Material and Methods We present a patient that underwent a completely endoscopic resection of a vascular brain tumor through a brain port and describe the hemostatic technique. Results A 68 year-old female presented with progressive gait difficulties. She had been previously treated for a breast cancer. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a right subcortical solitary cerebellar lesion that homogeneously enhanced. The patient underwent an endoscopic brain port removal of a supposed brain metastasis. After port cannulation, the tumor partly delivered itself into the port. Following initial tumor biopsy, active bleeding occurred. Irrigation and application of Surgifoam allowed to control the bleeding. Coagulation with an adapted bipolar and removal of coagulated tissue with the side-cutting aspiration device were sequentially repeated. Once the tumor was resected, the suction served as counter-traction elongating the vessels whereas the bipolar cauterized them over a long segment. Hemostasis was performed circumferentially along the cavity's walls from deep to superficial, benefiting from the endoscope's dynamic properties and magnification. Pathology confirmed intraoperative suspicion of hemangioblastoma. Conclusion Removal of vascular tumors is feasible through the brain port, despite a relatively narrow corridor of 11.5 mm. However, specific hemostasis techniques are required and adapted instruments are needed to ensure hemostasis through these small corridors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extended supraorbital approach through a modified eyebrow incision is a minimally invasive variant of the frontotemporal or pterional approach that enriches a neurosurgeon's armamentarium for the treatment of pathologies lateral to the anterior clinoid process, by advancing laterally with frontal facial nerve branches monitoring. To demonstrate the steps of the approach, we studied 2 formalin-fixed and artery/vein silicone-injected adult cadaveric heads, and reviewed 1 of the 3 clinical cases operated on to illustrate the applicability of the approach. A 56-year-old woman presented with a history of seizures and a complaint of headache that started 2 months ago. She underwent an examination with brain magnetic resonance imaging that showed a dural-based lesion at the medial third of the lesser wing of sphenoid (which is consistent with meningioma). The patient underwent craniotomy with an extended supraorbital approach through a modified eyebrow incision that allowed Simpson grade II removal to be performed and good aesthetic outcome to be achieved. The extended supraorbital approach through a modified eyebrow incision is a minimally invasive approach that can add to a neurosurgeon's armamentarium and be used with microscopy, assisted by endoscope, or both to reach the anterior and middle cranial fossae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background A retroclival lesion can represent a notochordal remnant-derived mass. The differential diagnoses includes benign lesions such as ecchordosis physaliphora (EP) and neuroenteric cyst or malignant ones such as chordomas. In the case of EP and chordoma, although both types arise from remnants of fetal notochord tissues, they represent two separate entities with different radiographic and biologic behaviors. Case Description We present a case of an incidental finding of a retroclival lesion. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics of the lesion match the neuroimaging profile of a benign lesion and are suggestive of an EP. There was no enhancement noted with the addition of gadolinium. Nonetheless, pathology determined the lesion to be a malignant chordoma. Conclusion The differential diagnosis of a retroclival lesion includes benign and malignant notochordal lesions. Here we present a case of a patient with an incidental finding of a retroclival lesion. Radiographic findings were suggestive of a benign lesion, possibly EP, yet the pathology revealed a chordoma. This report suggests that despite benign imaging, chordoma cannot be excluded and the implications for treatment can be significant. It is important to achieve the correct diagnosis because the prognostic and therapeutic implications are different. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 49-year-old female presented with intense headaches of 3 months duration. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed and showed a sellar--suprasellar lesion extending into the third ventricle. A presumptive diagnosis of a craniopharyngioma was made. Since the patient did not have any visual deficits, she opted for conservative management. Four months later, she started to have progressive deterioration of vision; thus, surgery was indicated. The patient underwent endoscopic endonasal resection of the lesion through a transtuberculum sellae approach. The patient was positioned supine with the head slightly extended and the face turned to the right side. Following the essence of a binostril four-hand technique, a total gross resection of the lesion was achieved and multilayer skull base reconstruction was performed utilizing collagen matrix and nasoseptal flap; with no intraoperative complications. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful with the improvement in her vision, and she was discharged on postoperative day 4 with no new neurological deficits. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of an epidermoid cyst. Postoperative pituitary gland function was within normal limits except for mild diabetes insipidus for which she is on DDAVP 0.1 mg twice daily. At 4 years follow-up, the patient was doing well, her vision was normalized, and brain MRI revealed no evidence of residual or recurrent lesion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present the case of a 67-year-old female with an incidental finding of a left-sided tuberculum sellae meningioma on a brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for an unrelated complaint. Formal visual field testing showed a small defect in the inferior nasal and temporal fields of the left eye, compatible withmass effect on the optic nerve by the tumor. An endoscopic endonasal transtuberculum approach with decompression of the left optic nerve was performed using a standard binostril four-hand technique, with the patient positioned supine with the head turned to the right side and tilted to the left, fixed in a three-pin head clamp, under imaging guidance. After exposure, we drilled the tuberculum sellae and the floor of the sella and after opening the dura, the tumor and optic nerve came into view. The tumor was completely removed and we confirmed the patency of all perforating vessels using indocyanine green. Reconstruction was done in a multilayered fashion, using collagen matrix and a nasoseptal flap. Patient had an uneventful postoperative stay and was discharged on postoperative day 3, neurologically stable with no new hormonal deficits. Pathology report confirmed a WHO Grade Imeningioma with Ki-67 of 1% and 3-month postoperative MRI confirmed a gross total resection and visual fields exam showed a complete recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 50-year-old female with an incidentally diagnosed suprasellar lesion was initially managed conservatively due to the presence of an intrasellar persistent trigeminal artery going through the dorsumsellae and fundamentally forming the blood supply of the entire posterior circulation. Serial follow-up brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed progressive enlargement of the suprasellar lesion over 4 years period. Surgery was indicated after the initial tumor growth; however, the patient refused surgery for fear of complications related to the persistent trigeminal artery. Two-and-ahalf years later, she presented with deterioration of vision. Formal visual field testing revealed a right temporal field defect. Brain MRI demonstrated significantly enlarged suprasellar lesion, most consistent with tuberculum sellae meningioma, exerting mass effect on the optic apparatus. The patient underwent endoscopic endonasal resection of the lesion through a transplanum/ transtuberculum approach. Intraoperatively, absence of hypertrophic McConnel arteries, hyperostosis, and the fact that the dura was soft and not under tension was against the diagnosis of tuberculum sellae meningioma. Additionally, the tumor consistency was similar to a pituitary adenoma. A complete resection was accomplished and multilayer skull base reconstruction was performed with no complications. On postoperative day 1 (POD 1), she was operated upon for the evacuation of small suprasellar hematoma associated with vision deterioration. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of atypical pituitary adenomawith Ki-67 labeling index of 4 to 5%. The patient ultimately recovered well with improved vision, and was discharged on POD 4 with no new neurological deficits. At 4 years follow-up, her vision was normalized and brain MRI showed no residual or recurrent lesion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) provides a direct access to diaphragma sellae meningiomas. We present a case of a 56-year-old-female with an incidentally diagnosed sellar/suprasellar lesion with no hormonal deficit; thus, she opted for conservative management initially. During her annual follow-up appointment with her ophthalmologist, it was noticed that the patient had right eye peripheral deficit on formal visual field testing. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed an enlargement of the sellar/suprasellar mass, causing displacement of the optic chiasm. A transplanum--transtuberculum EEA was performed. Gross-total removal was achieved and closure was done in a multilayer fashion using a collagen matrix, nasoseptal flap. Histopathological examination confirmed a meningioma WHO grade I. There were no intra- or postoperative complications. At 4-year-follow-up, the patient has stable vision and MRI brain showed no recurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]