Awake surgery with cortical-subcortical mapping in diffuse gliomas adjacent to central lobe. Report of two cases and literature review.

Abstract

Diffuse gliomas are brain neoplasms with an infiltrative growing pattern to cortical and subcortical structures, frequently adjacent to eloquent areas; direct cortical and subcortical stimulation in awake craniotomy is a useful tool to achieve a gross total resection with the least neurological deficit. A 24 years old male presented with tonic-clonic seizures. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a left parietal glioma. Awake craniotomy was performed using neuronavigation system and brain mapping with cortical and subcortical stimulation. Functional areas were found at the rostral margin of the tumor; however, the rest of the tumor was almost totally resected. Patient was discharged without neurological deficit. A 29 years old male presented in two occasions generalized tonic-clonic seizures, with right hemiparesis. The MRI showed a left parietal glioma. Awake craniotomy was performed using neuronavigation system and brain mapping with cortical and subcortical stimulation, achieving a gross total resection. Patient was discharged without neurological deficit. Awake craniotomy with brain mapping by cortical and subcortical stimulation and neuronavigation, are the best assets to treat diffuse gliomas and achieve a gross total resection, ensuring the major disease-free interval and preserving the function of eloquent areas.