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Open access

Combined stent retriever angioplasty and continuous intra-arterial nimodipine infusion as salvage therapy for cerebral vasospasm and delayed cerebral ischemia after subarachnoid hemorrhage: illustrative case

Andreas Knoll, Gregor Durner, Michael Braun, Bernd Schmitz, Christian Rainer Wirtz, Ralph König, and Andrej Pala

BACKGROUND

Delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) and cerebral vasospasm (CV) are severe complications of spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) contributing to an inferior outcome. Rescue therapies include intra-arterial balloon angioplasty and repetitive and finally continuous intra-arterial nimodipine infusion.

OBSERVATIONS

In the presented case, a young female patient with fulminant refractory DCI and CV, despite induced hypertension and nimodipine application, was treated with three-vessel continuous intra-arterial infusion and additional repetitive angioplasty of the basilar and middle cerebral arteries using a stent retriever, leading to a good clinical outcome. Additional stent retriever dilatation to continuous intra-arterial nimodipine application in three vessel territories may represent a further escalation step in the rescue therapy for severe CV and DCI after SAH. Montreal Cognitive Assessment and SF-36 testing showed satisfactory results 3 months after initial treatment with intra-arterial nimodipine catheters in three vessel territory circulations and additional stent retriever vasodilation of severe CV.

LESSONS

We report a unique rescue strategy involving implantation of an additional intra-arterial catheter into the vertebral artery and repetitive stent retriever dilatations of the middle cerebral and basilar arteries as an extra therapy for continuous intra-arterial nimodipine vaspospasmolytic therapy in three vessel territories, resulting in a very good clinical outcome.

In Journal of Neurosurgery: Case Lessons Volume 6 (2023): Issue 14 (Oct 2023)

Open access

A multilevel posterior tension band–sparing laminectomy for intraspinal lesions: patient series

Ignacio J Barrenechea, Luis Márquez, Sabrina Miralles, Héctor P Rojas, Julián Pastore, Pablo Vincenti, and Telmo Nicola

BACKGROUND

Minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) represents a major development in spinal tumor surgery. However, considering that many intradural lesions compromise multiple spinal segments, MISS has certain limitations. Thus, some intraspinal lesions still require traditional approaches. Because laminectomy has been shown to predispose patients to kyphosis, laminoplasty and hemilaminectomy are the most widely used approaches to preserve the posterior tension band (PTB). However, these techniques are not devoid of complications. To overcome these issues, the authors modified a previously described technique to preserve the PTB while removing various types of intradural lesions. This procedure was originally designed to treat lumbar stenosis and was modified to avoid muscle ischemia during long procedures.

OBSERVATIONS

Between 2014 and 2021, the authors found 17 cases of spinal lesions with a minimum of 2 years of follow-up after surgical treatment using their approach. No significant postoperative changes in the paraspinal Goutallier grade or spinal angles were observed. The cross-sectional area of the measured paraspinal muscles decreased 6% postoperatively. By performing certain technical modifications in this PTB-sparing (PBS) laminectomy, the authors avoided ipsilateral muscle ischemia.

LESSONS

In this initial series, PBS laminectomy proved to be a safe, versatile, inexpensive, and reliable technique to remove intraspinal lesions.

In Journal of Neurosurgery: Case Lessons Volume 6 (2023): Issue 14 (Oct 2023)

Open access

Paraclinoid internal carotid artery aneurysm with delayed stent occlusion after deployment of a flow diverter stent involving the orifice of the anterior cerebral artery: illustrative case

Takayuki Imai, Tatsuya Shimizu, Yumeki Yamamoto, Hiroya Shimauchi-Ohtaki, Ryosuke Shintoku, Kaoru Aishima, Masanori Aihara, Fumiaki Honda, and Yuhei Yoshimoto

BACKGROUND

In-stent thrombotic occlusion is a serious ischemic complication that can also result in ischemia in the distal perfusion territory and the territory of side branches for the artery in which the flow diverter (FD) stent is deployed.

OBSERVATIONS

A 49-year-old female with a large paraclinoid internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysm was treated with an FD involving the orifice of the anterior cerebral artery (ACA). The antiplatelet dose was reduced because of an increased clopidogrel response postintervention. The patient developed aphasia 2 months later. Emergency magnetic resonance imaging and digital subtraction angiography of the brain indicated FD stent occlusion and a small infarct in the distal vascular territory of the ipsilateral ICA, but the anterior choroidal artery (AChoA) territory was preserved by collateral flow. Emergency superficial temporal artery to middle cerebral artery anastomosis was performed, and she was discharged without neurological deficit 2 weeks after the second operation.

LESSONS

In-stent occlusion after FD deployment involving the orifice of the ACA can cause severe cerebral ischemia that requires an adequate antiplatelet effect and careful follow-up. The AChoA territory can be preserved by collateral blood flow even in cases of in-stent occlusion.

In Journal of Neurosurgery: Case Lessons Volume 6 (2023): Issue 14 (Oct 2023)

Open access

Partially thrombosed giant basilar artery aneurysm with attenuated contrast enhancement of the intraluminal thrombus on vessel wall MRI after flow diversion treatment: illustrative case

So Matsukawa, Akira Ishii, Yasutaka Fushimi, Yu Abekura, Takashi Nagahori, Takayuki Kikuchi, Masakazu Okawa, Yukihiro Yamao, Natsuhi Sasaki, Hirofumi Tsuji, Ryo Akiyama, and Susumu Miyamoto

BACKGROUND

The effect of vessel wall magnetic resonance imaging (VW-MRI) enhancement in partially thrombosed aneurysms has previously indicated aneurysmal instability and a rupture risk. However, whether the contrast effect of the wall changes before or after flow diversion treatment is still under investigation.

OBSERVATIONS

The authors report a case of a partially thrombosed basilar artery aneurysm that increased in size over a short period, worsened brainstem compression symptoms, and was treated with a flow diverter stent with good results. In this case, VW-MRI after surgery showed a reduced contrast effect on the intraluminal thrombus within the aneurysm. The aneurysm thrombosed and markedly regressed over the next 5 months, with remarkable improvement in the brainstem compression symptoms.

LESSONS

This finding on VW-MRI may indicate an attenuation of neovascularization in the thrombus wall and be a sign of aneurysm stabilization.

In Journal of Neurosurgery: Case Lessons Volume 6 (2023): Issue 14 (Oct 2023)

Open access

Recurrence of arteriovenous malformation in an adult patient after complete resection: illustrative case

Delfina C Mazza Elizalde, Ricardo H Menendez, Maximiliano Di Fabio, Douglas Ruiz, Juan Manuel Eiroa, Catalina Vittar, German Arias, and Horacio A Sole

BACKGROUND

Complete resection of an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is considered a curative treatment. In this paper the authors discuss two possibilities in the event of hemorrhage after satisfactory resection of an AVM: recurrence or remnant.

OBSERVATIONS

A 33-year-old female patient was diagnosed with an incidental right frontal AVM that was microsurgically resected and whose postoperative angiography showed no remnant. Eight years later, she presented with an episode of headache and speech arrest. Magnetic resonance imaging showed bleeding in the previous surgical site, and a new angiography revealed the presence of a vascular blush not seen previously. The patient did not show the most frequently associated factors for recurrence described in the literature, which are hemorrhage on presentation and deep venous drainage. In addition, factors related to undetected vascular remnants, such as preoperative hemorrhage and early postoperative angiography, were absent.

LESSONS

Considering the characteristics of the case, we believe that the most likely explanation is the development of a de novo vascular formation secondary to factors not yet elucidated. Preexisting views on AVM formation, the curative value of resection, and long-term follow-up in certain patients should be reevaluated.

In Journal of Neurosurgery: Case Lessons Volume 6 (2023): Issue 14 (Oct 2023)

Open access

Spontaneous pseudoaneurysm of the superficial temporal artery in neurofibromatosis type 1: illustrative case

Fang Shen, Shi-ze Li, Yuan-yuan Shan, Xiao Ji, and Han-song Sheng

BACKGROUND

A pseudoaneurysm of the superficial temporal artery is an uncommon clinical entity that has largely been linked with direct traumatic causes. Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1)-related vasculopathy is a rare cause of idiopathic arterial bleeding in the craniofacial region.

OBSERVATIONS

A 46-year-old male with clinical features of NF1 presented to the hospital with an enlarging and tender right temporal mass without a history of trauma. Computed tomography angiography suggested the development of a pseudoaneurysm, and surgery was performed to resect the mass. Histopathological examinations showed focal interruption of the epithelium layer and elastic lamina, well-demarcated thickening of the smooth muscle layers of the arterial wall, supporting the diagnosis of pseudoaneurysm.

LESSONS

NF1-associated vasculopathy is likely the predisposing factor for the development of a superficial temporal artery pseudoaneurysm.

In Journal of Neurosurgery: Case Lessons Volume 6 (2023): Issue 14 (Oct 2023)

Open access

Strangulation of the abducens nerve by an arachnoid band within an epidermoid cyst: illustrative case

Jacob Kosarchuk, Shrey Patel, Walter Dent, and Carl B Heilman

BACKGROUND

Intracranial epidermoid cysts (ECs) are rare benign lesions of ectodermal origin that can be found in the cerebellopontine angle (CPA). If large enough, they compress surrounding structures, causing cranial neuropathies, cerebellar dysfunction, and hydrocephalus.

OBSERVATIONS

In this case report, the authors present a patient with headaches and diplopia secondary to a CPA EC. The cyst had wrapped itself around and was strangulating the abducens nerve. This choking of the nerve was believed to have been the cause of the patient’s double vision. The arachnoid band was released with a myringotomy knife.

LESSONS

Intracranial ECs typically cause symptoms from mass effect on surrounding structures; it is unusual for one to have choked off the nerve in the fashion presented in this case. Knowledge of the potential ways that ECs can affect nervous structures is critical for resecting them without injuring normal tissue.

In Journal of Neurosurgery: Case Lessons Volume 6 (2023): Issue 14 (Oct 2023)

Open access

Symptomatic obstructive hydrocephalus caused by choroid plexus hyperplasia in a pediatric patient: illustrative case

Ana Sofia Alvarez, John P McGinnis, Rajan Patel, and Howard L Weiner

BACKGROUND

Choroid plexus hyperplasia has been described as a rare cause of communicating hydrocephalus due to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) overproduction. However, this is the first report of symptomatic obstructive hydrocephalus caused by mechanical obstruction of the aqueduct by a hyperplastic choroid plexus.

OBSERVATIONS

A 4-year-old male presented with headaches and intermittent emesis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain showed abnormal enlargement of the choroid plexus in the lateral ventricles with extension into the third ventricle, resulting in obstruction of the aqueduct of Sylvius, leading to obstructive hydrocephalus. Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) was chosen as the surgical treatment. During the procedure, high pressure flow of clear CSF was noted. Normal intraventricular anatomy was identified, and no cyst or tumor was found. The postoperative MRI showed a patent third ventriculostomy, without complication, and a significant decrease in supratentorial ventricular size. The patient was discharged 3 days after surgery with a complete resolution of symptoms.

LESSONS

Choroid plexus hyperplasia has the potential to cause obstructive hydrocephalus, and it can be effectively treated with ETV. Our hypothesis is that the change in pressure caused by the procedure may have led to an uncorking of the aqueduct by the hyperplastic choroid plexus, contributing to the observed improvement.

In Journal of Neurosurgery: Case Lessons Volume 6 (2023): Issue 14 (Oct 2023)

Open access

Traumatic middle meningeal arteriovenous fistula presenting with long delayed-onset facial nerve palsy without temporal bone fracture: illustrative case

Shigeki Takada, Koki Mitani, Tomonori Ichikawa, Nobutake Sadamasa, and Waro Taki

BACKGROUND

Traumatic facial nerve palsy (FNP) without temporal bone fracture (TBF) has a delayed onset in some cases; however, long delayed-onset FNP in this setting has not been reported. The middle meningeal vein (MMV) is one of the venous drainage routes from the facial nerve. Herein, the authors describe a rare case of traumatic middle meningeal arteriovenous fistula (MMAVF) presenting with the long delayed-onset FNP without TBF.

OBSERVATIONS

A 42-year-old man with pulsatile tinnitus and left FNP was admitted to our hospital 4 weeks after head trauma without TBF. Cerebral angiography revealed an MMAVF between the middle meningeal artery and the MMV on the left side. Seven days after admission, the FNP showed slight improvement, and preoperative angiography revealed decreased shunt flow of the MMAVF. Transarterial coil embolization was successfully performed. Postoperative angiography showed no residual fistula. Two weeks after the procedure, there was complete resolution of the FNP. This clinical course was correlated with the angiographic findings, suggesting that the long delayed-onset FNP was caused by the traumatic MMAVF without TBF.

LESSONS

In patients presenting with long delayed-onset FNP after head trauma without TBF, the vascular lesion must be evaluated to exclude MMAVF.

In Journal of Neurosurgery: Case Lessons Volume 6 (2023): Issue 14 (Oct 2023)

Open access

Anterolateral upper cervical approach for ventral C1–C2 meningioma

Serdar Rahmanov, Yücel Doğruel, Abuzer Güngör, and Uğur Türe

The surgical management of ventral upper cervical meningiomas poses significant challenges due to their deep location and limited accessibility. These tumors have the potential to compress or involve nearby neurovascular structures, leading to various neurological complications including inferior cranial nerve palsy, motor deficits, and sensory disturbances such as hypoesthesia, paresthesia, and impaired coordination. To address this issue, surgical intervention through an anterolateral or far lateral approach has been recognized as the optimal treatment strategy. In this video, the authors present a detailed demonstration of the operative technique using an anterolateral upper cervical approach to safely resect a ventrally located C1–2 meningioma.

In Neurosurgical Focus: Video Volume 9: Issue 2 (Oct 2023): Intradural Spinal Tumors