Telovelar vs. Transvermian approach for the fourth ventricle tumors: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Tumors in the fourth ventricle can be critical due to the small size of the fourth ventricle, which causes symptoms to be detected even in the presence of lesser mass effects. A proper surgical approach to the fourth ventricle poses challenges due to its deep location and proximity to vital compartments within the brainstem. The two commonly used approaches to these tumors are the transvermian and telovelar approaches.

METHODS

A comprehensive systematic study was conducted based on a literature search of the databases. All case controls, cohorts, and case series including patients with fourth ventricle tumors, who were operated on with either telovelar or transvermian approaches were considered eligible. The evaluated outcomes were comparative postoperative complications of the telovelar vs. transvermian approach. After screening and data extraction, a meta-analysis was performed whenever adequate quantitative data were available.

RESULTS

Seven studies with a total number of 848 patients, discussed both telovelar and transvermian approaches, with comparative reporting of outcomes in each group. Postoperative outcomes including cranial nerve deficit, mutism, diplopia, CSF leak, need for CSF diversion, and postoperative gait disturbance were not significantly different between telovelar and transvermian approaches.

CONCLUSION

Postoperative complications were not significantly different between telovelar and transvermian approaches. Moreover, it could be proposed that such complications would be more likely to be a multifactorial matter concerning the patient's clinical condition, tumor characteristics, and surgeon's experience, rather than the surgical approach alone.

An interesting case of survival to multiple ruptures of aneurysms, with persistent trigeminal artery, cranial nerve deficit, and evolutionary exposure of neurovascular treatment

Subarachnoid hemorrhage secondary to rupture of an aneurysm is a severe condition, associated with a high rate of morbidity and mortality. There are few cases in the literature of rupture of an aneurysm of the persistent trigeminal artery. This is the case of a 62-year-old female who has suffered multiple ruptures of aneurysms, in different decades of her life, with the development of de novo aneurysm, been this the presented case, a rupture of aneurysm of the persistent trigeminal artery. This patient has survival to these conditions and remain without important morbidity. The case manifested with a clinical picture of third and seventh cranial nerve deficit, which this last one, there are not previous publications of cases with this deficit. This aneurysm was embolized with coils, and the postoperative condition was satisfactory, been discharged at 4 postoperative days.

Imaging of Skull Base Trauma: Fracture Patterns and Soft Tissue Injuries

This article provides an overview of the patterns of skull base trauma and provides a review of the pertinent soft tissue injuries and complications that can ensue. A brief review of skull base anatomy is provided with subsequent focus on the important findings in anterior, central, and posterior skull base trauma.

Atypical Schwannoma: A 10-year experience

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this study was to describe the clinical presentation associated with atypical schwannoma of the cerebellopontine angle, characterize the pathologic findings and describe the long-term outcome.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study design was retrospective case review of patients with the histopathologic diagnosis of atypical and benign schwannoma of the cerebellopontine angle diagnosed at the study institution over a 10-year period.

SETTING

Tertiary referral center.

MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURE

Demographic data of the cohort were recorded. Findings on pathology were evaluated. Initial treatment and post-operative course was recorded. Main outcome measures were clinical presentation, including cranial nerve deficits at the time of presentation, complication and recurrence rates.

RESULTS

At presentation, a somewhat accelerated course of cranial nerve deficit was noted among patients with atypical schwannoma as compared to benign schwannoma. In the immediate post-operative period, there were no differences noted in the complication rate. Atypical schwannomas appear to have higher recurrence rate compared to benign schwannomas.

CONCLUSIONS

Atypical schwannoma is an intermediate disease process with an accelerated clinical course and higher recurrence rate as compared to vestibular schwannoma. Traditional operative approaches may be employed without increased concern for post-operative complications. Thorough counseling and close follow-up should be offered to these patients given the higher recurrence rate. Larger studies are required to determine if these patients need more frequent MRIs for long-term surveillance.