Trigeminocardiac reflex during surgery in the cerebellopontine angle

Nasocardiac reflex-induced resolution of persistent hiccups via intranasal swab stimulation: A case report

Hiccups are a common respiratory reflex experienced by most individuals at some point in their lives and are typically self-limiting. In emergency department treatment, vagal maneuvers are usually the first-line approach; if unsuccessful, pharmacologic therapies are considered. We present a case of persistent hiccups successfully resolved through vagal stimulation induced by the nasocardiac reflex following nasopharyngeal stimulation with an intranasal swab. A 31-year-old female presented to the emergency department with a 72-h history of hiccups. Prior to arrival, she had attempted various vagal maneuvers without relief. Nasopharyngeal stimulation was performed via the right nostril using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) swab. The hiccups ceased approximately five seconds into the procedure. Additionally, the patient experienced a 28 % decrease in heart rate and a 22 % reduction in systolic blood pressure compared to pre-procedure values. The patient was contacted by phone at 48 h, and no recurrence was reported. Although various vagal maneuvers are utilized in the management of hiccups, the role of the nasocardiac reflex has not been clearly defined. Nasopharyngeal stimulation using a PCR swab may offer a simple and safe alternative for patients with persistent hiccups. This approach also raises the possibility that PCR-induced nasocardiac reflex stimulation could serve as an alternative method in other conditions where vagal maneuvers are used, such as supraventricular tachycardia. Moreover, this method may reduce patient discomfort and potentially decrease emergency department visits.

The protective role of lidocaine in surgeries involving trigeminal nerve manipulation: a meta-analysis of trigeminocardiac reflex prevention

The trigeminocardiac reflex (TCR) is activated when the trigeminal nerve is manipulated through mechanical pressure, traction, or irritation. This leads to a rapid increase in parasympathetic activity, resulting in a decrease in heart rate (HR) and blood pressure, which can potentially lead to bradycardia, and cardiac arrest, with a prevalence of 14.5% during neurointerventional procedures (8). The aim of this study was to assess the effect of lidocaine injection on preventing TCR during cranial surgeries. We conducted a comprehensive search of PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane CENTRAL electronic databases for clinical trials comparing the use of lidocaine versus placebo, or no intervention for TCR prevention during cranial surgeries up until 20 May 2024. Meta-analyses were performed using fixed-effects models, and heterogeneity was assessed using I-squared and Chi-square tests. A total of five studies involving 421 patients were included in this meta-analysis. The incidence of TCR was significantly lower in the lidocaine group compared to the control group, with a risk ratio of 0.05 (95% CI 0.01 to 0.37, P = 0.003). Additionally, the lidocaine group had a relatively small change in HR, with a mean difference of -10.56 (95% CI -13.30 to -7.83 beat per minute, P = 0.00001). No statistically significant difference in mean arterial pressure was observed between the two groups (MD -5.15, 95% CI [-10.38 to 0.08 mmHg], P = 0.09). Our results suggest that lidocaine may be effective in preventing TCR and stabilizing HR. The use of lidocaine could be considered a prophylactic measure during cranial surgeries. Further studies are needed to investigate the optimal dose and timing of lidocaine administration.

Cardiac Arrest during Temporary Clipping for Ruptured Internal Carotid Artery Aneurysm: A Case Report

Mechanical stimulation of the trigeminal nerve during craniofacial, skull base, or dental surgeries may cause bradycardia, hypotension, or cardiac arrest. This phenomenon is called trigeminal cardiac reflex (TCR). We encountered a rare case of a patient who experienced sinus arrest due to temporary clipping of the intracranial carotid artery during the clipping of a ruptured aneurysm. We discuss possible reasons for the occurrence of TCR in this case. A man in his 30s with no medical history presented with a sudden-onset headache. Computed tomography revealed a subarachnoid hemorrhage in the basal cistern and left Sylvian fissure. Angiography revealed a saccular aneurysm of the left internal carotid-anterior choroidal artery. A left frontotemporal craniotomy and dural incision were performed, followed by a trans-Sylvian approach. Cardiac arrest occurred twice during the temporary clipping of the intracranial carotid artery. After surgery, we performed a cardiac ultrasound echo and a 1-week Holter electrocardiogram. Neither showed abnormalities. No arrhythmia or cardiac events were observed over a one and half-year follow-up period. The cardiac arrest might have been triggered by the stimulation of the trigeminal nerve in the internal carotid artery. The repeated and anatomical features of this case suggest that TCR triggered cardiac arrest. The high probability that cardiac arrest was induced by trigeminal nerve stimulation should be considered during the temporary clipping of the internal carotid artery. However, the predisposing factors and exact underlying mechanisms for these arrhythmias remain unknown and require further investigation.

Transient bradycardia during local anaesthesia to the oral cavity under intravenous sedation and its associate factors: a prospective observational study

BACKGROUND

Local anaesthesia in dental procedures is generally safe, although the occurrence of transient bradycardia (TB) has occasionally been reported. TB is often associated with two reflexes, the trigeminal cardiac reflex (TCR) and the vasovagal reflex (VVR) and is characterised by a rapid decrease in heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP). The prevalence of TCR is considered low, and its predictors have not been thoroughly investigated, although an association with the gag reflex has been suggested in recent years.

METHODS

This prospective study assessed TB occurrence during local anaesthesia and its potential associated factors. A comprehensive questionnaire was used to categorise discomforts during dental treatment, and various anxiety scales were used to measure patients' anxiety levels. We investigated HR variability during local anaesthesia administration under sedation and the association between the incidence of TB and gag reflex. Subsequently, logistic regression analysis was performed to assess factors associated with TB occurrence.

RESULTS

The prospective analysis included 188 patients of 234 initial patients. The analysis revealed a high TB incidence rate of 41% during local anaesthesia administration under sedation. No severe hypotensive events occurred, indicating a relatively benign nature of TB during local anaesthesia. TB occurrence was significantly higher in the group of patients with the gag reflex. Further analysis revealed that both gag reflex and trait anxiety were significantly associated with TB occurrence, whereas dental phobia did not directly correlate with TB.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights the prominent occurrence of TB during local anaesthesia in dental treatment, which is primarily attributed to TCR activation. The identification of gag reflex and trait anxiety as independent factors associated with TB development may pave the way for TB prevention measures. Further research is required to clarify the mechanisms of TCR and perform safer dental procedures under sedation. Future studies should also aim to elucidate the precise mechanisms underlying TB during local anaesthesia through direct measurements of neural activity. A better understanding of TB in dentistry is crucial for improving patient safety and optimising dental practice protocols.

Internal Neurolysis for Trigeminal Neuralgia: A Preliminary Single-institution Experience in Japan

Internal neurolysis (IN) is a surgical procedure in which the trigeminal fibers are separated between the pons and porus trigeminus to relieve trigeminal neuralgia (TN). Recent investigations revealed that the number of nerve bundles made by IN varies, and immediate postoperative hypesthesia exceeded 90% and pain control rate at 1 year was 77%-93.5%. We present the preliminary experience of 18 patients who underwent IN for TN between June 2020 and June 2022. The Barrow Neurological Institute pain scale (BNI-PS) was recorded preoperatively and in June 2023, and the Barrow Neurological Institute hypesthesia scale (BNI-HS) was recorded preoperatively, immediate postoperatively and in June 2023. Intraoperatively, the number of bundles made by IN was reviewed. Preoperative BNI-PS ranged between VI and V. Two patients experienced BNI-HS II due to percutaneous procedure prior to IN. Intraoperatively, 3 bundles were made by IN in 7 patients, 4 bundles in 5, and 5 bundles in 6. Immediate postoperative BNI-HS I was recorded in 6 patients and II in 12 (66.7%). The last follow-up revealed that BNI-PS I and II were recorded in 13 patients (72.2%) and BNI-HS I and II in 6 patients, respectively. Our results demonstrated that the rates of immediate postoperative hypesthesia (66.7%) and pain control (72.2%) at 1 year or later were below those of previous reports. Therefore, we are currently combing to make at least 6 bundles. Detailed surgical technique and cardiac reflex alerts during the procedure are described.

Trigeminocardiac Reflex During Temporomandibular Joint Surgery: A Systematic Review and Update for the Surgeons

PURPOSE

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) surgery is being increasingly performed globally with considerable success leading to improved quality of life for patients affected with disabling temporomandibular disorders. One of the most unusual phenomena noted during maxillofacial surgery due to stimulation of the trigeminal nerves is the Trigeminocardiac reflex (TCR), which causes sudden bradycardia and hypotension causing alarm and distress to the surgical and anesthetic team. The purpose of this systematic review is to identify the frequency and discuss the pathophysiology of the TCR especially during TMJ surgery.

METHODS

The authors performed a systematic review by searching PubMed, Embase, Ovid, and Cochrane databases between 1946 and 2023 to identify studies that reported on the development of TCR during TMJ surgery. Non-English publications and those with inadequate details were excluded.

RESULTS

Thirty-six papers reporting on the development of the TCR during oral and maxillofacial procedures were noted. Six papers reported specifically on TCR during TMJ surgery. A total of 25 subjects developed TCR during TMJ surgery. The mean age of the subjects was 31 (standard deviation 17.16) years. Twenty-three subjects (92%) developed bradycardia while 2 subjects (8%) developed asystole. All subjects recovered. The most common stimulant noted in these papers leading to TCR was manipulation and distraction of the TMJ.

CONCLUSION

Although TCR is uncommon, it can occur during TMJ surgery, and it behooves the surgeon and anesthesia team to be aware of the potential for TCR to ensure adequate and timely treatment.

Unstable bradycardia induced by posterior nasal packing: a rare activation of the Trigeminocardiacreflex

A woman in her 40s presented to the emergency department with epistaxis. Anterior nasal packing was unsuccessful in achieving haemostasis. After the exchange of devices and insertion of a posterior nasal pack, the patient developed a junctional rhythm and progressively unstable bradycardia. The rhythm and bradycardia immediately improved following the removal of the posterior nasal pack. This case describes a rare occurrence of Trigeminocardiac reflex (TCR), following an insertion of a posterior nasal pack. Only one other such case has been reported and published. This case highlights the importance of raising awareness of this rare reflex and the need for prompt removal of the triggering cause in such scenarios. TCR can induce a junctional rhythm, which progresses to unstable bradycardia and may lead to asystole in susceptible individuals. The removal of the stimulus resolves the reflex and can result in prompt resolution of the bradycardia and hypotension induced via the TCR.

A case report: A patient rescued by VA-ECMO after cardiac arrest triggered by trigeminocardiac reflex after nasal surgery

RATIONALE

Cardiac arrest (CA) caused by trigeminocardiac reflex (TCR) after endoscopic nasal surgery is rare. Hence, when a patient suffers from TCR induced CA in the recovery room, most doctors may not be able to find the cause in a short time, and standard cardiopulmonary resuscitation and resuscitation measures may not be effective. Providing circulatory assistance through venous-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) can help healthcare providers gain time to identify the etiology and initiate symptom-specific treatment.

PATIENT CONCERNS

We report a rare case of CA after endoscopic nasal surgery treated with VA-ECMO.

DIAGNOSES

We excluded myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism, allergies, hypoxia, and electrolyte abnormalities based on the relevant examination results. Following a multidisciplinary consultation, clinical manifestation and a review of previous literature, we reasoned that the CA was due to TCR.

INTERVENTIONS

VA-ECMO was established to resuscitate the patient successfully during effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

OUTCOMES

ECMO was successfully evacuated a period of 190 minutes of therapy. The patient was discharged home on day 8.

LESSONS

TCR is notable during endoscopic nasal surgery. Our case indicates that CA in operating room is worth prolonged CCPR. The ideal time for ECPR implementation should not be limited within 20 minutes after CCPR.

Risk factors associated with trigeminocardiac reflex in patients with trigeminal neuralgia during percutaneous balloon compression: A retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

The trigeminocardiac reflex (TCR) is a brainstem reflex commonly elicited during percutaneous balloon compression (PBC) for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia (TN), which is characterized by drastic hemodynamic disturbances, such as bradycardia, arrhythmias and even cardiac arrest. In order to prevent catastrophic consequences, it is vital to screen the risk factors of TCR during perioperative period. The primary purpose of this study was to identify potential risk factors associated with TCR in patients with TN undergoing PBC, and to summarize the enlightenment of clinical anesthesia management.

METHODS

The clinical data of 165 patients diagnosed with TN undergoing PBC from January 2021 to December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. TCR was defined as a sudden decrease in heart rate of 20% or more compared with baseline, and / or cardiac arrest, coinciding with the stimulus of any branch of the trigeminal nerve. And a clear cause-effect relationship between heart rate reduction and PBC-related intervention was required. All demographic characteristics as well as surgical and anesthetic data were compared between TCR group and TCR-free group. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to further analyze TCR-related risk factors.

RESULTS

Of the 165 patients enrolled in this study, 73 (44.2%) were male and 92 (55.8%) were female, and the average age was 64.22 ± 9.72 years. The incidence of TCR in the patients with TN during PBC was 54.5%. The results of multivariate regression analysis indicated that the risk factor for TCR was heart rate < 60 beats/min immediately before foramen ovale puncture (OR: 4.622; 95%CI: 1.470-14.531; P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Heart rate < 60 beats/min immediately before foramen ovale puncture was independently associated with TCR. Therefore, it is necessary for anesthesiologists to raise heart rate appropriately to prevent TCR during PBC.

Trigeminocardiac Reflex: A Review and Key Implications to Dermatologic Surgery

BACKGROUND

The trigeminocardiac reflex is a common but underreported occurrence that can vary from benign to life threatening. This reflex can be elicited by placing direct pressure on the globe of the eye or from traction of the extraocular muscles, stimulating the trigeminal nerve.

OBJECTIVE

To provide a review of potential stimuli for the trigeminocardiac reflex within dermatologic surgery and to discuss management options for the treatment of the trigeminocardiac reflex.

METHODS

PubMed and Cochrane were used to identify articles and case reports that established scenarios in which the trigeminocardiac reflex was provoked and subsequently how the reflex was managed.

RESULTS

Within the field of dermatologic surgery, the trigeminocardiac reflex can be stimulated during biopsies, cryoablations, injections, laser treatments, Mohs micrographic surgery, and oculoplastic interventions, most often occurring in an office setting. The most common presentations include significant bradycardia, hypotension, gastric hypermobility, and lightheadedness. The most definitive treatment is cessation of the inciting stimulus, monitoring, and symptomatic management. Glycopyrrolate and atropine are common treatments for severe, intractable cases of the trigeminocardiac reflex.

CONCLUSION

The trigeminocardiac reflex, while underreported and underrepresented in dermatologic literature and dermatologic surgery settings, should be considered in the setting of bradycardia and hypotension during dermatologic procedures.

Anesthesia-induced Takotsubo cardiomyopathy in trigeminal neuralgia: illustrative case

BACKGROUND

Takotsubo syndrome (TS) represents a form of nonischemic cardiomyopathy characterized by sudden and temporary weakening of the myocardium. Many data suggest a primary role for sympathetic overstimulation in its pathogenesis. Nevertheless, these correlates are less easily identified during anesthesia.

OBSERVATIONS

A 50-year-old female patient with a 4-year history of drug-resistant left trigeminal neuralgia. She was scheduled for surgical microvascular decompression. In the operating room, after induction of general anesthesia and oral intubation, the electrocardiogram revealed a significant ST segment elevation along with a sudden decrease in systolic blood pressure and heart rate. Administration of atropine caused a conversion into ventricular tachycardia. The advanced cardiac life support protocols were applied with prompt defibrillation and rapid recovery at sinus rhythm. A transthoracic echocardiogram revealed apical akinesia with ballooning of the left ventricle with a reduction of systolic function. An emergency coronary arteriography was performed, showing normal epicardial coronary vessels. After 4 days, echocardiography revealed normalization of the left ventricular function with improvement of the ejection fraction.

LESSONS

In patients affected by trigeminal neuralgia, chronic pain can lead to a state of adrenergic hyperactivation, which can promote TS during the induction of general anesthesia, probably through the trigeminocardiac reflex.

Atypical trigeminocardiac reflex during intranasal dexmedetomidine sedation of a 6-month-old premature baby

The trigeminocardiac reflex (TCR) is an established brainstem reflex leading to parasympathetic dysrhythmias-including haemodynamic irregularities, apnoea and gastric hypermotility-during stimulation of any sensory branches of the trigeminal nerve. Most of the clinical knowledge about TCR was gathered from general anaesthesia observations, not from procedural sedation.We present a case of a 6-month-old premature baby experiencing the reflex twice under dexmedetomidine-propofol-sedation while undergoing ophthalmic and ear examination. This was interpreted as cross-over sensitisation between the facial and trigeminal cranial nerve (N V and N VII).The present case demonstrates that different TCR subtypes can occur during the same anaesthetic procedure. Triggering TCR seems to be based on several factors and not just on a single stimulus as often presumed. Therefore, for premature babies, there is a risk for TCR under procedural sedation, and we recommend using glycopyrrolate as preventive treatment.

Prevention of trigeminocardiac reflex-induced severe bradycardia during cerebral aneurysm clipping surgery by topical anesthesia of the dura surface and atropine administration: a case report

BACKGROUND

Trigeminocardiac reflex (TCR) by stimulation of the sensory branch of the trigeminal nerve induces transient bradycardia and hypotension. We report a case in which light mechanical stimulation to the dura mater during brain surgery induced severe bradycardia.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 77-year-old woman with bradycardia-tachycardia syndrome was scheduled for clipping of an unruptured left middle cerebral artery aneurysm. General anesthesia was performed with propofol, remifentanil, and rocuronium. Before starting surgery, the function of the pyramidal tract was examined by motor evoked potential. Transcranial electric stimulation for motor evoked potential induced atrial fibrillation and tachycardia. Continuous administration of landiolol was started and verapamil was used for tachycardia. During detachment of the dura mater from the bone, an electrocardiogram suddenly showed sinus arrest for 6 s. Immediately after the manipulation was interrupted, a junctional rhythm appeared. However, light touch to the dura mater induced severe bradycardia again, and atropine was therefore administered. In addition, the dura surface was anesthetized with topical lidocaine infiltration. After that, light touch-induced bradycardia was prevented.

CONCLUSIONS

We experienced a case of severe bradycardia during surgery due to TCR caused by light mechanical stimulation to the dura mater. Topical anesthesia of the dura surface and atropine administration were effective for preventing TCR-induced bradycardia.

Rediscovery of the transcerebellar approach: improving the risk-benefit ratio in robot-assisted brainstem biopsies

OBJECTIVE

Conventional frame-based stereotaxy through a transfrontal approach (TFA) is the gold standard in brainstem biopsies. Because of the high surgical morbidity and limited impact on therapy, brainstem biopsies are controversial. The introduction of robot-assisted stereotaxy potentially improves the risk-benefit ratio by simplifying a transcerebellar approach (TCA). The aim of this single-center cohort study was to evaluate the risk-benefit ratio of transcerebellar brainstem biopsies performed by 2 different robotic systems. In addition to standard quality indicators, a special focus was set on trajectory selection for reducing surgical morbidity.

METHODS

This study included 25 pediatric (n = 7) and adult (n = 18) patients who underwent 26 robot-assisted biopsies via a TCA. The diagnostic yield, complication rate, trajectory characteristics (i.e., length, anatomical entry, and target-point location), and skin-to-skin (STS) time were evaluated. Transcerebellar and hypothetical transfrontal trajectories were reconstructed and transferred into a common MR space for further comparison with anatomical atlases.

RESULTS

Robot-assisted, transcerebellar biopsies demonstrated a high diagnostic yield (96.2%) while exerting no surgical mortality and no permanent morbidity in both pediatric and adult patients. Only 3.8% of cases involved a transient neurological deterioration. Transcerebellar trajectories had a length of 48.4 ± 7.3 mm using a wide stereotactic corridor via crus I or II of the cerebellum and the middle cerebellar peduncle. The mean STS time was 49.5 ± 23.7 minutes and differed significantly between the robotic systems (p = 0.017). The TFA was characterized by longer trajectories (107.4 ± 11.8 mm, p < 0.001) and affected multiple eloquent structures. Transfrontal target points were located significantly more medial (−3.4 ± 7.2 mm, p = 0.042) and anterior (−3.9 ± 8.4 mm, p = 0.048) in comparison with the transcerebellar trajectories.

CONCLUSIONS

Robot-assisted, transcerebellar stereotaxy can improve the risk-benefit ratio of brainstem biopsies by avoiding the restrictions of a TFA and conventional frame-based stereotaxy. Profound registration and anatomical-functional trajectory selection were essential to reduce mortality and morbidity.

Trigeminocardiac reflex during maxillary third molar extraction: Our experience

Trigeminocardiac reflex (TCR) is a cascade of physiological response secondary to the stimulation of any of the sensory divisions of the trigeminal nerve, which is the largest cranial nerve and provides sensory supply to the face, scalp, mucosa of the nose, and mouth. This response usually presents as a triad including bradycardia, apnea, and gastric motility changes. On the another side, transient loss of consciousness or vasovagal syncope, a well-known phenomenon in dentomaxillofacial surgery with its pathophysiology fully elucidated, is thought to be mediated by TCR and sometimes termed as dentocardiac reflex. Thus, it is imperative to know about TCR and its association with routine dental and maxillofacial surgery procedures. It can potentially happen during any minor or major oral surgical procedures ranging from simple third molar extractions, soft tissue surgeries, root canal treatments, or management of maxillofacial fractures. This paper presents two case reports demonstrating TCR which presented during maxillary third molar extraction and author(s) own experience in managing the same.

Profound trigeminocardiac reflex from lingual nerve stimulation: a case report

Trigeminocardiac reflex (TCR) is a well-known brainstem reflex that manifests as hypotension, bradycardia, dysrhythmia, and asystole when stimulation is applied to a branch of the trigeminal nerve. Most commonly associated with ophthalmic, orbital, and neurologic surgeries, mandibular division and oral cavity variants occur far less frequently. Here, we describe a case of asystolic TCR elicited by lingual nerve stimulation. This case highlights the role of specific anesthetic medications in modulating this phenomenon and reinforces the need for early recognition and clear communication in case of its occurrence. Anesthesia providers must consider discontinuing or avoiding certain medications when clinically appropriate, even during low TCR-risk procedures.

Efficacy of transcutaneous cardiac pacing for transient asystole caused by trigeminocardiac reflex: illustrative case

BACKGROUND

Trigeminocardiac reflex (TCR) is a brainstem reflex caused by stimulation of the trigeminal nerve, which results in bradycardia, hypotension, and asystole. TCR can occur during any neurosurgical procedure. Initially, it is managed via the immediate removal of the stimulus from the trigeminal nerve. If asystole persists after intravenous atropine or glycopyrrolate, chest compression or transcutaneous cardiac pacing may be considered. The authors present the first case of TCR that was successfully managed with transcutaneous cardiac pacing.

OBSERVATIONS

A 51-year-old man presented with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. Although he had no history of cardiac disease and there were no abnormal findings on electrocardiography, transient asystole due to TCR occurred during craniotomy. The patient’s heart rate spontaneously recovered after the immediate discontinuation of the procedure. The authors completed aneurysm clipping with transcutaneous cardiac pacing because intravenous atropine was not effective in preventing TCR. There were no complications associated with intraoperative asystole or transcutaneous cardiac pacing, and the patient was discharged without neurological deficits.

LESSONS

TCR can be appropriately managed with the immediate discontinuation of intraoperative procedures. Furthermore, transcutaneous cardiac pacing may be considered for persistent TCR with poor response to intravenous atropine or glycopyrrolate.

Unusual Manifestations of the Trigeminocardiac Reflex During Awake Craniotomy: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

The trigeminocardiac reflex (TCR) is triggered by stimulation of a branch of the trigeminal nerve and results in vagally mediated bradycardia, hypotension, apnea, and gastrointestinal hypermotility. In the operating theatre, patients susceptible to TCR are typically under general anesthesia; thus, cardiac abnormalities are the most common manifestation. Our case highlights the less common intraoperative manifestations of gastric hypermotility and apnea in a patient undergoing awake craniotomy for tumor resection. Prompt recognition, removal of stimuli, and airway management prevented catastrophic complications while facilitating completion of the procedure.

A rare appearance of the trigeminocardiac reflex during resection of posterior parasagittal meningioma

Background:

Although a well-recognized phenomenon of the tentorium and posterior fossa, the trigeminocardiac reflex (TCR) has been rarely reported during surgery involving the posterior falx cerebri.

Case Description:

We present the case of a 63-year-old woman who underwent repeat resection of an atypical parasagittal meningioma involving the posterior falx. During resection, TCR was repeatedly elicited during manipulation and coagulation of the falx. Air embolism and cardiac etiologies were initially considered while TCR was not suspected, given the location. Ultimately, TCR was recognized when asystole self-resolved upon cessation of stimulus and due to its reproducibility.

Conclusion:

Awareness by the anesthesiologist and neurosurgeon of the possibility of TCR during falcine procedures can help with rapid identification to avoid a potentially catastrophic outcome.

Asystole Triggered by the Mouth Opening With a Dental Mouth Gag Under General Anesthesia During Pediatric Oral Surgery: Report of a Rare Case

The trigeminovagal reflex manifests as a sudden onset of bradycardia, hypotension, and cardiac arrest in response to the stimulation of the trigeminal nerve. The incidence of trigeminovagal reflex in maxillofacial surgical procedures is approximately 1.6%. We report a case of asystole in a pediatric patient in whom a dental mouth gag triggered the trigeminovagal reflex during oral surgery. The patient was a 5-year-old boy who was scheduled to undergo extraction of maxillary supernumerary teeth. After tracheal intubation, anesthesia was maintained with sevoflurane and remifentanil. At the beginning of the surgery, his mouth was opened with a dental mouth gag, and electrocardigram showed asystole for 20 seconds. Thereafter, his heart rate spontaneously returned to basal value within 60 seconds. Since sufficient mouth opening was required to conduct the surgery, his mouth was opened again with the gag. When the interincisal distance exceeded about 40 mm, his heart rate suddenly decreased, but spontaneously returned to baseline within 60 second. The subsequent anesthetic course was uneventful.

Sympathetic hyperactivity, hypertension, and tachycardia induced by stimulation of the ponto-medullary junction in humans

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is to investigate changes in autonomic activities and systemic circulation generated by surgical manipulation or electrical stimulation to the human brain stem.

METHODS

We constructed a system that simultaneously recorded microsurgical field videos and heart rate variability (HRV) that represent autonomic activities. In 20 brain stem surgeries recorded, HRV features and sites of surgical manipulation were analyzed in 19 hypertensive epochs, defined as the periods with transient increases in the blood pressure. We analyzed the period during electrical stimulation to the ponto-medullary junction, performed for the purpose of monitoring a cranial nerve function.

RESULTS

In the hypertensive epoch, HRV analysis showed that sympathetic activity predominated over the parasympathetic activity. The hypertensive epoch was more associated with surgical manipulation of the area in the caudal pons or the rostral medulla oblongata compared to controls. During the period of electrical stimulation, there were significant increases in blood pressures and heart rates, accompanied by sympathetic overdrive.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results provide physiological evidence that there is an important autonomic center located adjacent to the ponto-medullary junction.

SIGNIFICANCE

A large study would reveal a candidate target of neuromodulation for disorders with autonomic imbalances such as drug-resistant hypertension.

The trigeminal system: The meningovascular complex- A review

Supratentorial sensory perception, including pain, is subserved by the trigeminal nerve, in particular, by the branches of its ophthalmic division, which provide an extensive innervation of the dura mater and of the major brain blood vessels. In addition, contrary to previous assumptions, studies on awake patients during surgery have demonstrated that the mechanical stimulation of the pia mater and small cerebral vessels can also produce pain. The trigeminovascular system, located at the interface between the nervous and vascular systems, is therefore perfectly positioned to detect sensory inputs and influence blood flow regulation. Despite the fact that it remains only partially understood, the trigeminovascular system is most probably involved in several pathologies, including very frequent ones such as migraine, or other severe conditions, such as subarachnoid haemorrhage. The incomplete knowledge about the exact roles of the trigeminal system in headache, blood flow regulation, blood barrier permeability and trigemino-cardiac reflex warrants for an increased investigation of the anatomy and physiology of the trigeminal system. This translational review aims at presenting comprehensive information about the dural and brain afferents of the trigeminovascular system, in order to improve the understanding of trigeminal cranial sensory perception and to spark a new field of exploration for headache and other brain diseases.

A Step further-The Role of Trigeminocardiac Reflex in Therapeutic Implications: Hypothesis, Evidence, and Experimental Models

The trigeminocardiac reflex (TCR) is a well-recognized brainstem reflex that represents a unique interaction between the brain and the heart through the Vth and Xth cranial nerves and brainstem nuclei. The TCR has mainly been reported as an intraoperative phenomenon causing cardiovascular changes during skull-base surgeries. However, it is now appreciated that the TCR is implicated during non-neurosurgical procedures and in nonsurgical conditions, and its complex reflex pathways have been explored as potential therapeutic options in various neurological and cardiovascular diseases. This narrative review presents an in-depth overview of hypothetical and experimental models of the TCR phenomenon in relation to the Vth and Xth cranial nerves. In addition, primitive interactions between these 2 cranial nerves and their significance are highlighted. Finally, therapeutic models of the complex interactions of the TCR and areas for further research will be considered.

Case report: 2 cases of cardiac arrest caused by rhino-cardiac reflex while disinfecting nasal cavity before endonasal transsphenoidal endoscopic pituitary surgery

BACKGROUND

Trigeminal-cardiac reflex (TCR) is a brainstem vagus reflex that occurs when any center or peripheral branch of the trigeminal nerve was stimulated or operated on. The typical clinical manifestation is sudden bradycardia with or without blood pressure decline. The rhino-cardiac reflex which is one type of TCR is rare in clinical practice. As the rhino-cardiac reflex caused by disinfection of the nasal cavity is very rare, we report these two cases to remind other anesthesiologists to be vigilant to this situation.

CASE PRESENTATION

This case report describes two cases of cardiac arrest caused by rhino-cardiac reflex while disinfecting nasal cavity before endoscopic transsphenoidal removal of pituitary adenomas. Their heart rate all dropped suddenly at the very moment of nasal stimulation and recovered quickly after stimulation was stopped and the administration of drugs or cardiac support.

CONCLUSION

Although the occurrence of rhino-cardiac reflex is rare, we should pay attention to it in clinical anesthesia. It is necessary to know the risk factors for preventing it. Once it occurs, we should take active and effective rescue measures to avoid serious complications.

A Case of Skull Base Chondrosarcoma with Intraoperative Trigemino-Cardiac Reflex

A 75-year-old female patient presented with a suspected recurrence of a clival chordoma. The tumor was resected using the infratemporal fossa type B and anterior petrosal approach with the help of a neurosurgeon. During cauterization of the trigeminal nerve, the patient developed cardiac arrest for approximately 10 seconds because of the trigemino-cardiac reflex (TCR). After several sternal compressions, there was return of spontaneous circulation. The operation was resumed after the circulatory dynamics stabilized. Subsequently, the surgery was completed with partial resection of the tumor without the recurrence of cardiac arrest. The pathological diagnosis was chondrosarcoma, and postoperative treatment with radiotherapy was started. Stimulation of the sensory branches of the trigeminal nerve induces TCR. There are reports of TCR developing in approximately 10% of skull base surgery cases in the absence of atropine administration. We report a rare case of TCR during the surgical procedure for the treatment of a skull base chondrosarcoma.

Recurrent trigeminocardiac reflex in percutaneous balloon compression for trigeminal neuralgia: A case report

RATIONALE

Trigeminocardiac reflex (TCR) sometimes occurs during the percutaneous balloon compression (PBC) procedure to treat trigeminal neuralgia (TN), and it manifests as transient bradycardia or sinus arrest. However, recurrent intraoperative TCR cases are rarely reported. Meanwhile, the treatment for recurrent TCR is still unclear.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 74-year-old male with a 2-year TN history could no longer tolerate the side effects of carbamazepine and came to seek PBC treatment.

DIAGNOSES

Bradycardia or sinus arrest occurred repeatedly during the operation, and the heart rate (HR) rapidly returned to normal when the operation was suspended. The C-arm image showed the puncture needle entering the foramen ovale.

INTERVENTIONS

First, 0.5 mg atropine was administered twice, and then 1 mL of 2% lidocaine was injected locally at the puncture site. Finally, isoproterenol was continuously pumped and dynamically adjusted to maintain the HR above 90 bpm.

OUTCOMES

The use of atropine and lidocaine did not prevent the recurrence of TCR. The use of isoproterenol to maintain the HR enabled the successful completion of the operation. The patient recovered quickly after the operation and was discharged 2 days later. No complaints of discomfort were reported during the sixth-month follow-up.

LESSONS

The elimination of intraoperative TCR may be difficult. Maintaining a high HR intraoperatively by continuous isoproterenol infusion is effective for preventing or mitigating the onset of TCR.

Photic sneeze reflex: another variant of the trigeminocardiac reflex?

The photic sneeze reflex (PSR) is a condition of uncontrollable sneezing episodes in response to bright light. This reflex often manifests as a mild phenomenon but may cause devastating consequences in some situations (aeroplane pilots, car drivers, etc.). Its exact mechanism is poorly understood. Interestingly, the roles of the fifth and tenth cranial nerves, brainstem nuclei and inciting patterns closely mimic a well-known brainstem reflex, known as the trigeminocardiac reflex (TCR). In this critical review, we hypothesize that the PSR can be a variant of the TCR. This concept will lead to a better understanding of the PSR and sharpens the TCR characteristics and open the doors for new research possibilities.

A brainstem mass of Müllerian type Epithelial Origin without any primary cancer source

Brainstem tumors are rare, even rarer is a brainstem tumor containing tissues of an embryologic gynecologic origin. We report a very rare case of presence of a calcified heterogeneously contrast enhancing brainstem mass of Müllerian origin in a patient in a 38 year old female with no female genital tract cancer and past surgical history of ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt placement for congenital hydrocephalus. To our knowledge this is the very first and unusual case of a mass of gynecologic origin in the brainstem region especially in the setting of no history of gynecological tumor. The authors also reviewed the literature for all tumors reported for anterograde and retrograde dissemination of tumor cells through VP shunt. This case is a reaffirmation of the importance of brain tumor location and tissue diagnosis for the purpose of adjuvant treatment of neurosurgical lesions in the neurocritical care setting. It also highlights the role of catheters as potential routes of iatrogenic transmission not just in anterograde but also in a retrograde manner to the CNS, which is very unusual. This is the only second case to report retrograde flow of tumor cells from an extraneural source up the VP catheters. The authors suggest that intraperitoneal chemotherapy should be considered in the cases of known extraneural abdominal malignancies of high malignant potential with or without the presence of peritoneal infiltration in order to avoid dissemination through VP shunts.

Sinus arrest with prolonged asystole due to the trigeminocardiac reflex during application of local anaesthetic in the nasal mucosa

The trigeminocardiac reflex (TCR) is defined as a sudden onset of parasympathetic dysrhythmias during stimulation of the trigeminal nerve. We describe a peripheral variation of TCR during manipulation of the nasal mucosa. A 42-year-old patient suffering from severe obstructive sleep apnoea was scheduled for surgical treatment. After inducted anaesthesia, the surgeon infiltrated the nasal mucosa with a local anaesthetic. The patient immediately showed an asystole and was treated with ephedrine and five chest compressions, despite spontaneous sinus rhythm return after ceasing of manipulation. Treatment with atropine established this TCR episode and ensured an event-free surgery.The authors present here, for the first time, a prolonged asystole caused by the TCR, triggered by minimal manipulation of the nasal mucosa. This severe manifestation of peripheral TCR demonstrates its importance in daily clinical business. This case was treated according to a modified treatment algorithm for all subtypes of TCR which is presented here.

Does Surgical Release of TMJ Bony Ankylosis Increase the Risk of Trigeminocardiac Reflex? A Retrospective Cohort Study

PURPOSE

The exact frequency of the trigeminocardiac (TGC) reflex in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) surgery is still controversial. The purpose of the present report was to estimate the frequency of and identify the risk factors for TGC reflex among patients undergoing operative management of TMJ ankyloses.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted of patients who had undergone gap arthroplasty for TMJ ankyloses at Al-Azhar University Hospital, Cairo, Egypt, from 2001 to 2015. The predictor variables were patient demographic data (age and sex), ankylosis type, and surgery type. The outcome variable was the occurrence of the TGC reflex (yes vs no). The data analysis included descriptive statistics and χ² tests to compare the categorical variables. Binary regression logistic model analysis was performed to identify the associated predictor variable. P values were considered statistically significant at ≤ .05.

RESULTS

The sample included 55 subjects. The mean ± standard deviation age of the patients was 21.3 ± 9.855 years, and 43.6% were males. The frequency of TGC reflex was 12.7%. The factors associated with an increased risk of TGC reflex were type IV bony ankylosis (P = .012) and the need for repeat surgery (P = .016.). A multivariable binary regression model analysis demonstrated that the recurrence of surgery was the most significant predictor factor affecting the frequency of the TGC reflex. The computed variance ranged from 13 to 25%. However, other variables, including age, gender, side, and ankylosis type, were not associated with reflex onset (odds ratio, 0.028; 95% confidence interval, 0.001 to 0.911; P = .044).

CONCLUSIONS

Recurrent ankylosis surgery carries a high risk of TGC reflex. Preoperative risk factor identification and close monitoring are crucial to prevent the occurrence of this reflex in susceptible patients. Future research projects should include more variables in the study.

Barometric pressure change and heart rate response during sleeping at ~ 3000 m altitude

We investigated effects of change in barometric pressure (P _B) with climate change on heart rate (HR) during sleep at 3000 m altitude. Nineteen healthy adults (15 males and four females; mean age 32 years) participated in this study. We measured P _B (barometry) and HR (electrocardiography) every minute during their overnight stay in a mountain lodge at ~ 3000 m. We also measured resting arterial oxygen saturation (SpO₂) and evaluated symptoms of acute mountain sickness (AMS) by using the Lake Louise Questionnaire at 2305 and 3000 m, respectively. P _B gradually decreased during the night at the speed of approximately - 0.5 hPa/h. We found that HR during sleep decreased linearly as P _B decreased in all subjects, with significance (r = 0.492-0.893; all, P < 0.001). Moreover, cross correlation analysis revealed that HR started to decrease after ~ 15 min following the decrease in P _B, on average. SpO₂ was 93.8 ± 1.7% at 2305 m before climbing, then decreased significantly to 90.2 ± 2.2% at the lodge before going to bed, and further decreased to 87.5 ± 2.7% after waking (all, P < 0.05). Four of the 19 subjects showed a symptom of AMS after waking (21%). Further, the decrease in HR in response to a given decrease in P _B (ΔHR/ΔP_B) was negatively related with a decrease in SpO₂ from before going to bed to after waking at 3000 m (r = - 0.579, P = 0.009) and with total AMS scores after waking (r = 0.489, P = 0.033).

The clinical surrogate definition of the trigeminocardiac reflex: Development of an optimized model according to a PRISMA-compliant systematic review

BACKGROUND

The trigeminocardiac reflex (TCR) is defined as sudden onset of parasympathetic dysrhythmias including hemodynamic irregularities, apnea, and gastric hypermotility during stimulation of sensory branches of the trigeminal nerve. Since the first description of the TCR 1999, there is an ongoing discussion about a more flexible than the existing clinical definition. Aim of this work was to create a clinical surrogate definition through a systematic review of the literature.

METHODS

In this meta-analysis study, literature about TCR occurrences was, according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis statement, systematically identified through various search engines including PubMed (Medline), Embase (Ovid SP), and ISI Web of Sciences databases from January 2005 to August 2015. TCR was defined as a drop of heart rate (HR) below 60 bpm or 20% to the baseline. We extracted detailed data about hemodynamic changes and searched for connections between arterial blood pressure (BP) and HR changes during such episodes.

RESULTS

Overall 45 studies harboring 57 patients were included in the study but only 32 patients showed sufficient data for final analyze. HR showed a nonlinear behavior with a "tipping point" phenomena that differs in variance from the central/peripheral (20-30% drop) to ganglion (40-49% drop). BP showed a linear behavior with a "central limit" phenomena not differing in variance in the whole subgroup (30-39% drop). An analyzation of the correlation between BP and HR showed a trend to a linear correlation.

CONCLUSIONS

We can show for the first time that HR is the dominant variable in the TCR and present a new surrogate definition model. This model and the role of BP must be better investigated in further studies.

Definition and Diagnosis of the Trigeminocardiac Reflex: A Grounded Theory Approach for an Update

Background

The trigeminocardiac reflex (TCR) is defined as sudden onset of parasympathetic dysrhythmias including hemodynamic irregularities, apnea, and gastric hypermotility during stimulation of sensory branches of the trigeminal nerve. Since the first description of the TCR in 1999, there is an ongoing discussion about a more emergent clinical definition. In this work, the author worked out an approach to such an improved definition.

Methods

In this study, a grounded theory approach was used. Literature about TCR was systematically identified through PubMed (MEDLINE), EMBASE (Ovid SP), and ISI Web of Sciences databases from 1/2005 until 8/2015. TCR was defined as a drop of heart rate (HR) below 60 bpm or 20% to the baseline. A grounded theory approach was used to analyze and interpret the data through a synthesis by the researcher’s perspectives, values, and positions.

Results

Out of the included studies, the authors formed available data to an update of the understanding of changes in hemodynamic parameters (HR and blood pressure) in a TCR. According to this update, an HR deceleration should be a constant observation to identify a TCR episode while a drop in blood pressure should probably not being fixed to a certain percentage of decrease.

Conclusion

The here presented working definition improves our understanding of the TCR. It leads the way to a new understanding of the TCR for a proper clinical definition.

Posterior meningeal artery DMSO injection resulting in reproducible asystole prior to Onyx therapy of a dural arteriovenous fistula: a previously undescribed variant of the trigeminocardiac reflex or a new phenomenon?

We describe a case of reproducible asystole during endovascular treatment of a posterior fossa dural arteriovenous fistula. Catheterisation of the posterior meningeal artery, a branch of the vertebral artery in this patient, followed by dimethyl sulfoxide injection prior to Onyx administration resulted in two episodes of asystole.To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of asystole occurring during endovascular intervention in the posterior meningeal artery. This may represent a previously undescribed variant of the trigemino-cardiac reflex (TGCR) caused by chemical stimulation of small areas of trigeminally innervated posterior fossa dura. Alternatively, this may represent a newly identified phenomenon with chemical stimulation of regions of posterior fossa dura innervated by branches of the vagus nerve leading to increased parasympathetic activity and resultant asystole.In either case, it is important to recognise the potential for such episodes in this vascular territory to allow case planning and management.

The Trigeminocardiac Reflex During the Anterior Transpetrosal Approach

OBJECTIVE

The anterior transpetrosal approach (ATPA), during which the trigeminal nerve (TN) is manipulated, has a risk of eliciting the trigeminocardiac reflex (TCR). The aim of this study was to assess the risk of TCR during ATPA.

METHODS

Surgical records of 92 patients who had surgical treatment via ATPA at the Keio University Hospital between December 2005 and June 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into 2 groups on the basis of the occurrence of TCR during surgery, and clinical and tumor characteristics were compared. Tumor characteristics were evaluated based on preoperative images and intraoperative findings and included the side of the lesion, size of the lesion, tumor size in Meckel cave, pathology of the disease, cavernous sinus invasion, extension into Meckel cave, and adhesion of lesion to TN.

RESULTS

TCR was observed in 14 of 92 patients (15.2%). TCR occurrence was significantly related to Meckel cave tumor size (P = 0.0264) and adhesion of the lesion to TN (P = 0.0002).

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that TCR is related to Meckel cave tumor size and tumor adhesion to TN in ATPA. To our knowledge, this is the first report describing TCR during ATPA.

Trigeminocardiac reflex preceding development of postoperative superior orbital fissure syndrome

The superior orbital fissure syndrome (SOFS) is a rare condition presenting as painful unilateral opthalmoplegia, ptosis, pupillary dilatation and anesthesia of the upper eyelid and forehead. It has been described after facial trauma. Other etiologies include infections, tumors or spontaneous hemorrhages in the retro-orbital space. Occurrence of SOFS after surgery in the skull base has not been described before. We recently encountered a case where a young female developed SOFS following surgery for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea. The occurrence of SOFS was preceded by episodes of trigemino-cardiac reflex (TCR) during the surgery. This is the first case report associating TCR with SOFS. We managed the case report with megadose methylprednisolone and the patient showed improvement in the deficit over time.

Trigeminocardiac reflex during endoscopic juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma surgery: an appraisal

Juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma is a locally aggressive benign tumour which has propensity to erode the skull base. The tumour spreads along the pathways of least resistance and is in close proximity to the extracranial part of trigeminal nerve. Advancements in expanded approaches for endoscopic excision of tumours in infratemporal fossa and pterygopalatine fossa increase the vulnerability for the trigeminocardiac reflex. The manipulation of nerve and its branches during tumour dissection can lead to sensory stimulation and thus inciting the reflex. The aim of our study is to report the occurrence of trigeminocardiac reflex in endoscopic excision of juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma. To describe the occurence of trigeminocardiac reflex during endoscopic endonasal excision of juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma. We studied the occurrence of TCR in 15 patients (out of 242 primary cases and 52 revision cases) operated for endoscopic endonasal excision of JNA. The drop in mean arterial blood pressure and heart rate were observed and measured. To the best of our knowledge of English literature, this is the first case series reporting TCR as complication in endoscopic excision of JNA. occurence of this reflex has been mentioned in various occular, maxillofacial surgeries but its occurence during endoscopic excision of JNA has never been reported before. Manifestation of trigeminocardiac reflex during surgery can alter the course of the surgery and is a potential threat to life. It is essential for the anesthetist and surgeons to be familiar with the presentations, preventive measures and management protocols.