Characteristic MR imaging findings and surgical treatment of cavernous hemangiomas in cavernous sinus

Abstract

Objective To analyze the imaging character and surgical therapy of cavernous hemangiomas in cavernous sinus ( CSHs ).Method From 2001 to 2008,13 patients with CSHs were surgically treated in our department.The diameters of CSHs varied from 3.5 cm to 6.0 cm.Results All the patients were operated on with no mortality.Complete tumor removal was achieved in 9 cases,partial tumor removal in 3 cases,and biopsy in 1 case.Cranial nerve Ⅲ was preserved in 8 cases and cranial nerves V2,V3 in 9 cases.In the other cases,cranial nerves in cavernous sinus were sacrificed unavoidably.Conclusions CSHs can be diagnosed preoperatively according to MRI and can be removed successfully by experienced surgeons who are familiar with operative approaches and microsurgical technique.However,great efforts should be made to decrease postoperative cranial nerve deficits. Key words: Cavernous sinus ; Hemangioma,cavernous,central nervous system ; Microsurgery ;