Successful excision of a giant acoustic neuroma in the third trimester of pregnancy

Large vestibular schwannomas presenting in the late state of pregnancy: a case report and literature review

Vestibular schwannomas in pregnancy have rarely been reported, and there is a lack of in-depth discussion on the experience of management of massive acoustic neuromas in pregnancy. Herein, we present a pregnant woman with a giant vestibular schwannoma and obstructive hydrocephalus who presented at 30 weeks of gestation. She was initially misdiagnosed as having a pregnancy-related reaction of headache, dizziness, and vomiting that had occurred 2 months earlier. After observation at home, her symptoms progressed at 30 weeks of gestation, and imaging findings revealed a brain tumor in the CPA region with secondary cerebella tonsil herniation and obstructive hydrocephalus, and she was transferred to our center for treatment. Consequently, we relieved her hydrocephalus with a ventriculoperitoneal shunt (V-P shunt) and used corticosteroids to simulate fetal maturation. After 10 days, her mental condition deteriorated, and her right limb muscle strength gradually decreased until grade 0 (MMT Grading). Finally, under a joint consultation with the Department of Neurosurgery, Obstetrics, and Anesthesiology, she underwent a cesarean section under general anesthesia and first-stage tumor removal at 31 weeks of gestation. Upon discharge, the previously observed neurological deficits, which were reversible and had manifested during her gestational period, had been successfully resolved, and the fetus had been conserved. The neuroimaging confirmed the complete tumor removal, while the neuropathologic examination revealed a vestibular schwannoma. Therefore, we recommend early diagnosis and treatment for these patients, especially people with headaches, vomiting, and sudden hearing loss during pregnancy. Herein, we concluded that our cases provide a valuable experience in the latest acceptable time frame for the operation to prevent irreversible neurological impairment and premature delivery in late pregnancy.

Large Vestibular Schwannomas Presenting during Pregnancy: Management Strategies

Objective Large vestibular schwannomas rarely present in pregnant women. Diagnosis and management of these tumors during pregnancy present a therapeutic challenge. Methods A 20-year-old primigravida woman at 26 weeks' gestation was transferred to our facility with gait imbalance, left facial weakness, left ear hearing loss, and recent nausea and vomiting. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a large left cerebellopontine angle mass with extension into the left internal auditory canal and compression of the fourth ventricle resulting in mild hydrocephalus. The patient was admitted with a plan for early delivery at 32 weeks followed by tumor resection. One week later, the patient's headache and neurologic symptoms worsened due to increased hydrocephalus; a ventriculoperitoneal shunt was placed. The next day, an emergent cesarean delivery was performed due to worsening respiratory status. Four days later, a tracheostomy and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube were placed due to dysphagia. Eight days after the delivery, the mass was resected with a left retrosigmoid approach without complications. Immunohistochemistry confirmed vestibular cellular schwannoma on cranial nerve VIII showing unusually high mitotic activity. Results The patient was discharged to inpatient rehabilitation on postoperative day 12 without new neurologic deficit. At 1 month, the patient was swallowing without aspiration. Her facial sensation had returned, her facial weakness remained stable, and her gait was significantly improved. Conclusion If the patient is neurologically stable, the best option is to delay resection until after delivery. If resection is necessary during pregnancy, the optimal time is during the second trimester.

General anesthesia with remifentanil for Cesarean section in a parturient with an acoustic neuroma

PURPOSE

To describe the anesthetic management of a parturient with a large acoustic neuroma undergoing general anesthesia with remifentanil for Cesarean section.

CLINICAL FEATURES

A near-term parturient presented with a large intracranial mass. Cesarean section under general anesthesia was elected one week prior to craniotomy for tumour resection. Remifentanil infusion, 0.2-1.0 microg x kg(-1) x min(-1), was used from induction to emergence of general anesthesia. The neonate was born seven minutes after the remifentanil infusion was started. She had normal umbilical cord pH and her Apgar scores were 7 and 8, at one and five minutes respectively. Although the neonate received supplemental oxygen, she did not require naloxone. Both mother and neonate made an uneventful recovery.

CONCLUSION

Remifentanil was effective in producing stable hemodynamic conditions, without severe neonatal respiratory depression, during induction and maintenance of general anesthesia for a Cesarean delivery in a parturient with a large intracranial tumour.