Jiantao Liang

Identification of cranial nerves around trigeminal schwannomas using diffusion tensor tractography: a technical note and report of 3 cases

BackgroundThere are no large series studies identifying the locations of cranial nerves (CNs) around trigeminal schwannomas (TSs); however, surgically induced cranial neuropathies are commonly observed after surgeries to remove TSs. In this study, we preoperatively identified the location of CNs near TSs using diffusion tensor tractography (DTT).MethodsAn observational study of the DTT results and intraoperative findings was performed. We preoperatively completed tractography from images of patients with TSs who received surgical therapy. The result was later validated during tumorectomy.ResultsA total of three consecutive patients were involved in this study. The locations of CNs V-VIII in relation to the tumor was clearly revealed in all cases, except for CN VI in case 3.The predicted fiber tracts were in agreement with intraoperative observations.ConclusionsIn this study, preoperative DTT accurately predicted the location of the majority of the nerves of interest. This technique can be applied by surgeons to preoperatively visualize nerve arrangements.

Trigeminal neuralgia caused by a dilated superior cerebellar artery and a draining vein of cerebellar arteriovenous malformations: a case report and review of the literature

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) secondary to arterivenous malformations (AVMs) is relatively rare. We here report on a case of TN caused by cerebellar AVMs that was successfully treated by total AVMs resection in conjunction with microvasecular decompression (MVD) in one stage. In addition, we perform a review of the literature about the treatment of TN caused by cerebellar AVMs.

Posterior interhemispheric transtentorial approach for resection of a meningioma at the posteromedial tentorial incisura.

The posterior interhemispheric approach is a versatile approach to access lesions of the pineal region, posterior incisural space, posterior region of third ventricle, and adjacent structures. We demonstrate the case of a 26-year-old woman with symptoms of increased intracranial pressure and hydrocephalus caused by a meningioma at the posteromedial tentorial incisura. Gross-total removal of the tumor was successfully achieved via a posterior interhemispheric transtentorial approach. The patient reported an immediate and significant symptomatic improvement after surgery. The detailed operative technique and surgical nuances, including the surgical corridor, tentorium incision, tumor dissection and removal are illustrated in this video atlas. The video can be found here: https://youtu.be/nSNyjQKl7aE .

Cerebral vasculopathy in a Chinese family with neurofibromatosis type I mutation

Neurofibromatosis type I (NF1) is a hereditary, autosomal dominant, neurocutaneous syndrome that is attributed to NF1 gene mutation. NF1 has been associated with scoliosis, macrocephaly, pseudoarthrosis, short stature, mental retardation, and malignancies. NF1-associated vasculopathy is an uncommon and easily-overlooked presentation. Examination of a Chinese family affected by NF1 combined with cerebral vessel stenosis and/or abnormality suggested a possible relationship between NF1 and vessel stenosis. To determine which NF1 gene mutation is associated with vascular lesions, particularly cerebral vessel stenosis, we examined one rare family with combined cerebral vessel lesions or maldevelopment. Vascular lesions were detected using transcranial Doppler sonography and digital subtraction angiography in family members. Next, denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography and sequencing were used to screen for NF1 gene mutations. The results revealed a nonsense mutation, c.541C>T, in the NF1 gene. This mutation truncated the NF1 protein by 2659 aminoacid residues at the C-terminus and co-segregated with all of the patients, but was not present in unaffected individuals in the family. Exceptionally, three novel mutations were identified in unaffected family members, but these did not affect the product of the NF1 gene. Thus the nonsense mutation, c.541C>T, located in the NF1 gene could constitute one genetic factor for cerebral vessel lesions.

Trigeminal Neuralgia Secondary to Osteoid Osteoma of the Petrous Bone: Report of 4 Cases and Brief Review of Literature

OBJECTIVE To retrospectively analyze clinical data of 4 patients with trigeminal neuralgia (TN) secondary to osteoid osteoma (OO) of the petrous bone and discuss treatment for this rare disease. METHODS Between January 2008 and December 2016, 4 patients in whom TN secondary to petrous bone OO was diagnosed received surgical treatment in Xuan Wu Hospital of Capital Medical University. We summarized the characteristics and treatments of this rare disease through retrospective review of the clinical information, imaging features, surgical details, and follow-up outcomes of the 4 patients. RESULTS Among the 4 patients, 2 were men; mean age was 39.3 ± 12.3 years (range, 26-52 years). All patients presented with symptoms of typical TN. Preoperative bone window computed tomography scan of the brain showed a regular bony lesion located at the petrous bone, contacting the trigeminal nerve. All patients experienced total relief of symptoms after surgical resection of the lesion by retrosigmoid sinus approach. During a mean follow-up of 14.2 months (range, 7-23 months), no preoperative symptoms recurred. CONCLUSIONS TN secondary to petrous bone OO is extremely uncommon. Surgical decompression is an effective treatment for patients with petrous bone OO and associated TN.

Recurrent secondary trigeminal neuralgia caused by an obliterated tentorial dural arteriovenous fistula cured with surgical resection: A case report and literature review

BACKGROUND Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) caused by a tentorial dural arteriovenous fistula (TDAVF) is quite rare. To date, only 10 cases and 2 small case series have been reported in this regard, and most were treated with either embolization or surgery. Here, we report a unique case of a TDAVF presented as TN, which was embolized with Onyx first and resected later. CASE DESCRIPTION A 57-year-old male presented with right-sided TN. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a variceal venous dilation occupying the right lateral pontine cistern and multiple venous flow void signals adjacent to the right trigeminal nerve root entry zone. Digital subtraction angiography revealed the right TDAVF, which was completely embolized with transarterial Onyx later. The patient remained symptom free for 1 year before TN recurred. Digital subtraction angiography did not exhibit the recurrence of fistula. After resection of embolized dilated veins, the symptom alleviated and the patient remained symptom free for the 5-month follow-up to date. CONCLUSIONS Even complete obliteration of fistula could cause the recurrence of neuralgia, and resection of embolized dilated veins might be effective for the treatment of TN in such recurrent cases.

Endoscopic Approach to Remove Intra-extracranial Tumors in Various Skull Base Regions: 10-year Experience of a Single Center

Background: Some problems have been found in the usually adopted combined approach for the removal of intra-extracranial tumors in skull base. Herein, we described a pure endoscopic transnasal or transoral approach (ETA) for the removal of intra-extracranial tumors in various skull base regions. Methods: Retrospectively, clinical data, major surgical complications, pre- and postoperative images, and follow-up information of a series of 85 patients with intra-extracranial tumors in various skull base regions who were treated by surgery via ETA in our skull base center during the past 10 years were reviewed and analyzed. Results: Gross total tumor removal was achieved in 80/85 cases (94.1%) in this study. All 37 cases with tumors in anterior skull base and all 14 cases with tumors in jugular foramen received total tumor removal. Thirteen and three cases with tumors in clivus received total and subtotal tumor removal, respectively. Total and subtotal tumor removal was performed for 16 cases and 2 cases in lateral skull base, respectively. The complications in this study included: cerebrospinal fluid leakage (n = 3), meningitis (n = 3), and new cranial nerve deficits (n = 3; recovered in 3 months after surgery). In the follow-up period of 40–151 months (median: 77 months), seven patients (8.8%) out of the 80 cases of total tumor removal experienced recurrence. Conclusions: Complete resection of intra-extracranial growing tumors in various skull base regions can be achieved via the pure ETA in one stage in selected cases. Surgical procedure for radical removal of tumors is feasible and safe.