Endoscopic management of benign cystic lesions of the thalamus with fenestrated stent placement

Abstract

Benign intracranial cystic lesions of the thalamus are an uncommon clinical entity rarely requiring operative decompression. In combination with cyst fenestration, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow diversion or fenestrated stent placement may be performed at the time of surgery. We describe a method of treatment of these cysts using endoscopic cyst fenestration with fenestrated transventricular stent placement. Three patients with benign cystic lesions were treated with stereotactic-guided, endoscopic fenestration and fenestrated stent placement. All 3 had radiographic and clinical improvement. There were no complications. Endoscopic fenestration and transventricular fenestrated stent placement is a minimally invasive, effective, and safe method to decompress benign, symptomatic cystic lesions of the thalamus.