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Open access

Introducing next-generation transcranial surgery with the head-mounted 3D View Vision display in extracorporeal microsurgery: illustrative cases

Young Ju Kim, Hidehito Kimura, Hiroto Kajimoto, Tatsuya Mori, Masahiro Maeyama, Kazuhiro Tanaka, and Takashi Sasayama

BACKGROUND

Exoscopy in neurosurgery offers various advantages, including increased freedom of the viewing axis while the surgeon maintains a comfortable upright position. However, the optimal monitor positioning to avoid interference with surgical manipulation remains unresolved. Herein, the authors describe two cases in which a three-dimensional head-mounted display (3D-HMD) was introduced into a transcranial neurosurgical procedure using an exoscope.

OBSERVATIONS

Case 1 was a 50-year-old man who presented with recurrent epistaxis and was diagnosed with an olfactory neuroblastoma that extended from the nasal cavity to the anterior cranial base and infiltrated the right anterior cranial fossa. Case 2 was a 65-year-old man who presented with epistaxis and was diagnosed with a left-sided olfactory neuroblastoma. In both cases, en bloc tumor resection was successfully performed via a simultaneous exoscopic transcranial approach using a 3D-HMD and an endoscopic endonasal approach, eliminating the need to watch a large monitor beside the patient.

LESSONS

This is the first report of using a 3D-HMD in transcranial surgery. The 3D-HMD effectively addressed issues with the field of vision and concentration while preserving the effectiveness of traditional microscopic and exoscopic procedures when observed on a 3D monitor. Combining the 3D-HMD with an exoscope holds the potential to become a next-generation surgical approach.

In Journal of Neurosurgery: Case Lessons Volume 6 (2023): Issue 23 (Dec 2023)

Open access

Radiological features of internal carotid artery occlusion caused by pituitary apoplexy: illustrative case

Keigo Aramaki, Masanori Aihara, Yu Kanazawa, Takahiro Kawashima, Rei Yamaguchi, Masahiro Matsumoto, Masahiko Tosaka, and Yuhei Yoshimoto

BACKGROUND

Pituitary apoplexy rarely causes internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion and acute ischemic stroke. Some cases have been reported, but the neuroimaging findings, including cerebral angiography, have not been discussed.

OBSERVATIONS

A 55-year-old male suffered the sudden onset of right cervical pain and left mild hemiparesis. Computed tomography indicated a pituitary mass, and magnetic resonance angiography showed a right ICA occlusion. The initial diagnosis was ICA occlusion caused by ICA dissection. His symptoms worsened and the region of cerebral infarction expanded, so the patient was transferred to our hospital. Magnetic resonance imaging and cerebral angiography showed the sudden stoppage of right ICA blood flow caused by local compression of the tumor near the distal dural ring. The diagnosis was acute ischemic stroke resulting from ICA pseudo-occlusion caused by pituitary apoplexy, and emergent endoscopic transsphenoidal resection was performed. Postoperatively, the right ICA was completely patent, and hemiparesis was improved with rehabilitation.

LESSONS

ICA occlusion caused by pituitary apoplexy is very rare, but emergent treatment is necessary. However, the pathology is difficult to diagnose quickly. Neuroimaging findings showing that the ICA is easily stenosed or occluded if rapidly compressed by the tumor near the distal dural ring may be useful to rapidly diagnose and treat.

In Journal of Neurosurgery: Case Lessons Volume 6 (2023): Issue 23 (Dec 2023)

Open access

Consecutive resections of double pituitary adenoma for resolution of Cushing disease: illustrative case

Stephanie A Armstrong, Samon Tavakoli, Ipsit Shah, Brandon R Laing, Dylan Coss, Adriana G Ioachimescu, James Findling, and Nathan T Zwagerman

BACKGROUND

Double pituitary adenomas are rare presentations of two distinct adenohypophyseal lesions seen in <1% of surgical cases. Increased rates of recurrence or persistence are reported in the resection of Cushing microadenomas and are attributed to the small tumor size and localization difficulties. The authors report a case of surgical treatment failure of Cushing disease because of the presence of a secondary pituitary adenoma.

OBSERVATIONS

A 32-year-old woman with a history of prolactin excess and pituitary lesion presented with oligomenorrhea, weight gain, facial fullness, and hirsutism. Urinary and nighttime salivary cortisol elevation were elevated. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed a 4-mm3 pituitary lesion. Inferior petrosal sinus sampling was diagnostic for Cushing disease. Primary endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal resection was performed to remove what was determined to be a lactotroph-secreting tumor on immunohistochemistry with persistent hypercortisolism. Repeat resection yielded a corticotroph-secreting tumor and postoperative hypoadrenalism followed by long-term normalization of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.

LESSONS

This case demonstrates the importance of multidisciplinary management and postoperative hormonal follow-up in patients with Cushing disease. Improved strategies for localization of the active tumor in double pituitary adenomas are essential for primary surgical success and resolution of endocrinopathies.

In Journal of Neurosurgery: Case Lessons Volume 6 (2023): Issue 22 (Nov 2023)

Open access

Occult neurohypophyseal germinoma discovered during the course of long-term diabetes insipidus: illustrative case

Hironori Yamada, Ryokichi Yagi, Akihiro Kambara, Yoshihide Katayama, Yuichiro Tsuji, Ryo Hiramatsu, Naokado Ikeda, Masahiro Kameda, Naosuke Nonoguchi, Motomasa Furuse, Shinji Kawabata, Toshihiro Takami, and Masahiko Wanibuchi

BACKGROUND

The authors report a case of occult neurohypophyseal germinoma detected in a patient with long-term diabetes insipidus. Central diabetes insipidus is the initial symptom in 95% of cases of neurohypophyseal germinoma. In occult neurohypophyseal germinomas, no abnormalities are seen on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at the onset of symptoms. It can take several months or even years for these changes to be detected on MRI.

OBSERVATIONS

A 20-year-old male was diagnosed with central diabetes insipidus at the age of 17 years, and gonadal and adrenal corticosteroid insufficiency was noted at the age of 19 years. Head MRI showed an enlarged and enhanced pituitary stalk. He was referred to our department for a suspected neoplastic lesion. Endoscopic transsphenoidal biopsy indicated a pure germinoma. He was treated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy and then was discharged.

LESSONS

In this case, new imaging findings appeared 19 months after the onset of diabetes insipidus, and the pathological diagnosis was made after almost 24 months. Because the patient had a history of growth hormone deficiency and had a positive test result for diabetes insipidus, occult neurohypophyseal germinoma was suspected, and periodic contrast-enhanced MRI monitoring was deemed essential.

In Journal of Neurosurgery: Case Lessons Volume 6 (2023): Issue 7 (Aug 2023)

Open access

Rathke’s cleft cyst presenting with recurrent aseptic meningitis and inflammatory apoplexy: illustrative case

Roger Murayi, Megh M. Trivedi, Joao Paulo Almeida, Gabrielle Yeaney, Carlos Isada, and Varun R. Kshettry

BACKGROUND

Rathke’s cleft cyst (RCC) is a benign sellar/suprasellar lesion often discovered incidentally. Rarely, symptomatic cases can present with headache and may exhibit concomitant aseptic meningitis or apoplexy. The authors describe a patient with an RCC presenting with recurring episodes of aseptic meningitis and ultimately inflammatory-type apoplexy.

OBSERVATIONS

A 30-year-old female presented with three episodes of intractable headaches over 2 months. Each episode’s clinical picture was consistent with meningitis though cerebrospinal fluid cultures, and viral tests remained negative. Imaging demonstrated a sellar lesion, initially thought to be coincidental. On the third presentation, there was rapid interval growth of the lesion, adjacent cerebritis, and new endocrinopathy. Resection was then performed via an endoscopic endonasal approach. Pathology showed an RCC with acute and chronic inflammation and no evidence of hemorrhage. Cultures were negative for organisms. The patient received several weeks of antibiotic treatment with the resolution of all symptoms and no recurrence.

LESSONS

Recurrent aseptic meningitis with apoplexy-like symptoms is a rare presentation of RCC. The authors propose the term inflammatory apoplexy to describe such a presentation without evidence of abscess, necrosis, or hemorrhage. The mechanism is unclear although may be due to intermittent microleakage of cyst contents into the subarachnoid space.

In Journal of Neurosurgery: Case Lessons Volume 5 (2023): Issue 26 (Jun 2023)

Open access

Missed pituitary microadenoma during endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery for short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks with conjunctival injection and tearing with symptom relief: illustrative case

Juan Silvestre G. Pascual, Madeleine de Lotbiniere-Bassett, Katrina Hannah D. Ignacio, David Ben-Israel, Jessica M. Clark, and Yves P. Starreveld

BACKGROUND

Short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks with conjunctival injection and tearing (SUNCT) is a rare headache disorder that has been associated with pituitary adenomas. Resection has been posited to be curative.

OBSERVATIONS

A 60-year-old female presented with a 10-year history of SUNCT, which had been medically refractory. Sellar magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a 2 × 2 mm nodule in the right anterolateral aspect of the pituitary. Endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal resection of the pituitary microadenoma with neuronavigation was performed. The patient felt immediate relief from the headaches. Postoperative MRI showed persistence of the pituitary microadenoma and the resection tract to be inferomedial to the lesion. The right middle and partial superior turbinectomy site was close to the sphenopalatine foramen (SPF). The patient was discharged on postoperative day 1 and remained headache-free without any medications at the 4-month follow-up.

LESSONS

Resection of pituitary lesions associated with SUNCT may not necessarily be the cause of SUNCT resolution. Manipulation of the middle and superior turbinate close to the SPF may lead to a pterygopalatine ganglion block. This may be the mechanism of cure for SUNCT in patients with related pituitary lesions who undergo endonasal resection.

In Journal of Neurosurgery: Case Lessons Volume 5 (2023): Issue 21 (May 2023)

Open access

A silent corticotroph adenoma: making the case for a pars intermedia origin. Illustrative case

Mohammad Bilal Alsavaf, Kyle C. Wu, Guilherme Finger, Eman H. Salem, Maria Jose Castello Ruiz, Saniya S. Godil, Luma Ghalib, Ricardo L. Carrau, and Daniel M. Prevedello

BACKGROUND

Silent corticotroph adenomas (SCAs) are the only pituitary adenomas thought to originate from the pars intermedia. This case report presents the rare finding of a multimicrocystic corticotroph macroadenoma displacing the anterior and posterior lobes of the pituitary gland on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This finding supports the hypothesis that silent corticotroph adenomas may originate from the pars intermedia and should be considered in the differential for tumors arising from this location.

OBSERVATIONS

A 55-year-old man presented with an episode of confusion and blurred vision. MRI demonstrated separation of the anterior and posterior glands by a solid-cystic lesion located within the pars intermedia that superiorly displaced the optic chiasm. Endocrinologic evaluation was unremarkable. The differential diagnosis included pituitary adenoma, Rathke cleft cyst, and craniopharyngioma. The tumor was confirmed to be an SCA on pathology and was completely removed through the endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach.

LESSONS

The case highlights the importance of preoperative screening for subclinical hypercortisolism for tumors arising from this location. Knowledge of a patient’s preoperative functional status is critical and dictates their postoperative biochemical assessment to determine remission. The case also illustrates surgical strategies for resecting pars intermedia lesions without injuring the gland.

In Journal of Neurosurgery: Case Lessons Volume 5 (2023): Issue 20 (May 2023)

Open access

Pituitary cryptococcoma in an immunocompetent patient with panhypopituitarism: illustrative case

Emmanuel Maciel-Ramos, Luis A. Castillejo-Adalid, Job J. Rodríguez-Hernández, Mario G. Vázquez-Lima, Blas E. López-Félix, and Marco A. Rodríguez-Florido

BACKGROUND

Cryptococcosis is the most common mycosis of the central nervous system. It may develop in immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients, the latter representing most cases. The most common presentation of the disease is meningitis, whereas intra-axial lesions in the form of cryptococcoma are less frequent with a greater tendency to present in immunocompetent patients. The presentation of pituitary cryptococcoma is exceptional. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, there is only one case published in the medical literature.

OBSERVATIONS

The authors present the case of a 30-year-old male without a relevant medical history. He was referred to our center with a pituitary mass on magnetic resonance imaging and panhypopituitarism. The patient underwent endonasal endoscopic transsphenoidal tumor resection, and a histopathological diagnosis of pituitary cryptococcoma was made. Medical management included fluconazole and intravenous amphotericin.

LESSONS

This case underscores the neurosurgical and medical management of an exceptional clinical presentation of pituitary cryptococcoma in an immunocompetent patient. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, there is only one case published in the medical literature. This case provides an invaluable review of the clinical, imaging, and therapeutic considerations regarding this exceptional clinical entity.

In Journal of Neurosurgery: Case Lessons Volume 5 (2023): Issue 19 (May 2023)

Open access

Chronic expanding pituitary hematoma with calcification resulting from pituitary adenoma: illustrative case

Fugen Takagi, Ryokichi Yagi, Takuya Kanemitsu, Yuichiro Tsuji, Naokado Ikeda, Naosuke Nonoguchi, Motomasa Furuse, Shinji Kawabata, Toshihiro Takami, and Masahiko Wanibuchi

BACKGROUND

Pituitary apoplexy (PA) is characterized by sudden headache, vomiting, visual dysfunction, anterior lobe dysfunction, and endocrine disorder due to bleeding or infarction from a pituitary adenoma. PA occurs in approximately 0.6–10% of pituitary adenomas, more commonly in men aged 50–60 years, and more frequently in nonfunctioning and prolactin-producing pituitary adenomas. Further, asymptomatic hemorrhagic infarction is found in approximately 25% of PA.

OBSERVATIONS

A pituitary tumor with asymptomatic hemorrhage was detected on head magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Thereafter, the patient underwent head MRI every 6 months. After 2 years, the tumor was enlarged and visual dysfunction was noticed. The patient underwent endoscopic transnasal pituitary tumor resection and was diagnosed with a chronic expanding pituitary hematoma with calcification. The histopathological findings were very similar to those of chronic encapsulated expanding hematoma (CEEH).

LESSONS

CEEH associated with pituitary adenomas gradually increases in size, causing visual dysfunction and pituitary dysfunction. In case of calcification, total removal is difficult due to adhesions. In this case, calcification developed within 2 years. A pituitary CEEH, even when showing calcification, should be operated on, as visual function can be fully recovered.

In Journal of Neurosurgery: Case Lessons Volume 5 (2023): Issue 10 (Mar 2023)

Open access

Cerebral vasospasm as a consequence of pituitary apoplexy: illustrative case

Somayah Alsayadi, Rafael Ochoa-Sanchez, Ioana D. Moldovan, and Fahad Alkherayf

BACKGROUND

Cerebral vasospasm is a rare but devastating complication following pituitary apoplexy. Cerebral vasospasm is often associated with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), and early detection is crucial for proper management.

OBSERVATIONS

The authors present a case of cerebral vasospasm after endoscopic endonasal transsphenoid surgery (EETS) in a patient with pituitary apoplexy secondary to pituitary adenoma. They also present a literature review of all similar cases published to date. The patient is a 62-year-old male who presented with headache, nausea, vomiting, weakness, and fatigue. He was diagnosed with pituitary adenoma with hemorrhage, for which he underwent EETS. Pre- and postoperative scans showed SAH. On postoperative day 11, he presented with confusion, aphasia, arm weakness, and unsteady gait. Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography scans were consistent with cerebral vasospasm. The patient underwent endovascular treatment of acute intracranial vasospasm and was responsive to intra-arterial milrinone and verapamil infusion of the bilateral internal carotid arteries. There were no further complications.

LESSONS

Cerebral vasospasm is a severe complication that can occur after pituitary apoplexy. It is essential to assess the risk factors linked to the cerebral vasospasm. In addition, a high index of suspicion will allow neurosurgeons to diagnose cerebral vasospasm after EETS early and take the necessary measures to manage it accordingly.

In Journal of Neurosurgery: Case Lessons Volume 5 (2023): Issue 7 (Feb 2023)