Expanded Transsphenoidal Trans-Lamina Terminalis Approach to Tumors Extending Into the Third Ventricle: Technique Notes and a Single Institute Experience

Impact of three surgical approaches on the therapeutic efficacy of intraventricular craniopharyngiomas: a single-center retrospective analysis

This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of three different surgical approaches for the treatment of intraventricular craniopharyngiomas (IVCs). The three surgical approaches investigated in this study were the endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA), pterional trans-lamina terminalis approach (PTA), and interhemispheric trans-lamina terminalis approach (ITA). Patient demographics, preoperative symptoms, endocrine and hypothalamic status, tumor characteristics, and surgical outcomes were analyzed and compared among the different surgical groups. A total of 31 patients with IVCs were included in the analysis, with 12 patients in the EEA group, 8 patients in the ITA group, and 11 patients in the PTA group. The mean follow-up time was 39 ± 23 months. Statistical analysis of the data revealed significant differences in the gross total resection (GTR) rate among the three surgical groups (P = 0.033). The GTR rate for the EEA group was 100%, that for the ITA group was 88%, and that for the PTA group was 64%, which was the lowest rate observed. After surgery, only 8.3% of the patients in the EEA group did not experience new postoperative hypopituitarism, while the percentages in the ITA and PTA groups were 75% and 73%, respectively (P = 0.012). Finally, we found that postoperative hypopituitarism may be related to the transection of the pituitary stalk during the operation (P = 0.020). Based on the results of this study, we recommend using the EEA and the ITA instead of the PTA for the surgical resection of IVCs. Furthermore, the appropriate surgical approach should be selected based on the tumor's growth pattern.

Proposed System for Selection of Surgical Approaches for Craniopharyngiomas Based on the Optic Recess Displacement Pattern

OBJECTIVE

Craniopharyngiomas remain surgically challenging because of the strong adhesion to vital neurovascular structures. We propose a system for the selection of surgical approaches based on the optic recess (OR) displacement pattern to facilitate surgical planning and obtain optimum visual and endocrinologic outcomes.

METHODS

Craniopharyngiomas were divided into 3 types based on the OR displacement pattern: superior, anterior, and involvement types. Selected surgical approaches and patient outcome were retrospectively reviewed according to these classifications. Visual and endocrinologic outcomes were compared among the groups.

RESULTS

This study included 26 patients with primary craniopharyngiomas who underwent surgery at our institution, classified into 11 anterior, 11 superior, and 4 involvement types. The extended endoscopic endonasal approach provided excellent exposure inferodorsal aspect of the chiasm for manipulation of the dissection plane in the anterior and superior types with midline location. A unilateral subfrontal approach was required for tumor of the superior type with lateral extension. An interhemispheric translamina terminalis approach could provide safe dissection under direct vision of strong adhesion at the superior aspect of the chiasm in the involvement type. Visual and endocrinologic outcomes were better in the involvement type compared with the superior and anterior types. Visual outcome was significantly correlated with preoperative visual function.

CONCLUSIONS

Craniopharyngiomas with the involvement type are indicated for the translamina terminalis approach to achieve the best visual and endocrinologic outcome. Our classification of the OR displacement pattern is useful to select the optimal surgical approach for craniopharyngiomas more accurately and concisely, especially in cases with third ventricular extension.

[Chordoid gliomas of the third ventricle]

BACKGROUND

Chordoid glioma is a rare slow-growing tumor of the central nervous system. Available world experience includes no more than 200 cases (lesion of the third ventricle in absolute majority of cases). Recognition and treatment of chordoid glioma are currently difficult problems due to small incidence of this disease.

OBJECTIVE

To describe clinical manifestations and surgical treatment of chordoid glioma of the third ventricle considering literature data and own experience.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

There were 12 patients (6 men and 6 women) with chordoid glioma between 2004 and 2023 (10 patients with lesion of the third ventricle, 1 - lateral ventricle, 1 - pineal region). Only patients with tumors of the third ventricle were analyzed.

RESULTS

Total and subtotal resection was performed in 1 and 3 cases, respectively. Five patients underwent partial resection, 1 patient underwent biopsy. The follow-up data were available in 7 out of 10 patients (mean 25 months). Radiotherapy was performed in 4 patients (continued tumor growth in 2 cases). One patient died.

CONCLUSION

Chordoid glioma is a benign tumor predominantly localized in the third ventricle. Preoperative MRI and CT in some cases make it possible to suspect chordoid glioma and differentiate this tumor from craniopharyngioma, meningioma and pituitary adenoma by such signs as isointense signal in T1WI, hyper- or isointense signal in T2WI, homogeneous contrast enhancement and edema of basal ganglia in T2 FLAIR images. The only effective treatment for chordoid glioma is surgery. Total resection is often impossible or extremely dangerous due to location of tumor, large size and invasion of the third ventricle. Postoperative mental disorders and diabetes insipidus, including severe hypernatremia, are common that requires mandatory monitoring of water and electrolyte balance.

Current Approaches to Craniopharyngioma Management

Craniopharyngiomas (CP) are rare noncancerous brain tumors located in the skull base. To date, CP remain challenging-to-resect tumors, owing to their difficult location and invasive potential, with profound adverse effects for the patient if left to grow. Indeed, gross total resection may also be accompanied by unwelcome sequalae, underscoring the need for continued investigation. In the present work, we provide a scoping review of current CP management, with emphasis on our knowledge of their genesis, available treatment options, post-intervention clinical outcomes. Leading theories of CP development are (1) the embryonic theory, explaining the development of adamantinomatous CP from epithelial remnants of Rathke's pouch and (2) the metaplastic theory, which describes papillary CP development as a result of adenohypophyseal cell metaplasia. Treatment may include surgery, intracystic therapy, or irradiation depending on tumor size, history and location. However, whether a single ideal approach and timing for CP intervention exists remains debated. We appraise and critique these areas with priority for emerging basic results and innovation.

Duct-like diverticulum at the base of third ventricle tumors: a morphological signature diagnostic of papillary craniopharyngioma

This study describes and characterizes a narrow, hollow tubular structure, termed as duct-like diverticulum (DV), found specifically at the basal midline of papillary craniopharyngiomas (PCPs) located within the third ventricle (3V). The presence of this structure was systematically investigated on autopsy studies and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of 3536 craniopharyngioma (CP) cases published in the medical literature from 1911 to 2021, as well as in other twelve 3V tumor categories (n = 1470 cases). A basal DV was observed in a total of 50 PCPs, including two of our own cases. This DV corresponds to a tubular-shaped recess invaginated at the midline bottom of the tumor, following the same angled trajectory as the pituitary stalk. It can be easily seen as a hypointense linear structure on T1- and T2-weighted MRI scans, with two main length types: long DVs (74%), which reach the tumor center, and short DVs (26%), which penetrate the tumor only a few millimeters. The DV sign identifies the papillary CP type with a specificity of 100% and a sensitivity of 33% in the overall CP population. This finding also serves to establish the strictly intra-3V location of the lesion with a 95% specificity and 42% sensitivity among papillary CPs. No similar basal DV was found in adamantinomatous CPs nor among other categories of strictly 3V tumors. Consequently, the presence of a diverticulum in a 3V tumor represents a morphological signature pathognomonic of the papillary type and a valuable sign to reliably define the strictly 3V topography.

Feasibility of endoscopic endonasal resection of intrinsic third ventricular craniopharyngioma in adults

Intrinsic third ventricular craniopharyngiomas (IVCs) are usually considered as a contraindication of endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA). The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety and feasibility of EEA for the resection of IVCs based on MRI topographical diagnosis and surgical findings. We reviewed the data of 22 patients who were diagnosed to be IVCs according to five MRI criteria and underwent surgery through EEA. Sixteen IVCs were resected using endoscopic endonasal infrachiasmatic corridor, five IVCs by using endoscopic endonasal suprachiasmatic trans-lamina terminalis corridor, and one IVC by using both the infrachiasmatic and suprachiasmatic corridors. During the operation, all the 22 cases were verified to be IVCs. Gross total resection was achieved in 21 (95.5%) patients. After surgery, visual improvement was observed in 14 (63.6%) patients, no change in 6 (27.3%) patients, and some deterioration in 2 (9.1%) patients. An improvement in intellectual ability was observed in nine (40.9%) patients, no change in twelve (54.5%) patients, and some deterioration in one (4.5%) patient. Fifteen of the 22 patients (68.2%) developed new endocrinological deficit. One postoperative cerebral spinal fluid leakage occurred. EEA can be used as a safe and efficacious approach for the radical resection of IVCs. The combination of the five MRI criteria may serve as an accurate preoperative diagnostic tool to define the topographical relationships between craniopharyngiomas and the third ventricle. The endoscopic transnasal view from below has the advantage of clarifying the relationship between tumors and the third ventricle floor.