Interhemispheric Contralateral Transcallosal Approach to a Giant Thalamic Cavernous Malformation: 2-Dimensional Operative Video.

Abstract

Thalamic cavernous malformations are challenging lesions to approach given their deep location and proximity to eloquent neurovascular structures. Several approaches to this region exist, and small nuances in the location of the lesion dictate different surgical trajectories. For cavernous malformations presenting to the superomedial surface of the thalamus, the interhemispheric transcallosal approach affords an excellent trajectory as the anterior two-thirds of the superomedial thalamus constitutes the lateral aspect of the floor of the body of the lateral ventricle. In addition, when the cavernous malformation extends laterally, the contralateral adjunct of the interhemispheric transcallosal approach provides optimal visualization of the lateral aspect of the lesion. In this video, we present the case of a 31-year-old woman who presented to our institution with a giant hemorrhagic thalamic cavernous malformation that resulted in rapid neurological decline characterized by ataxia, right hemiparesis, and diplopia. The cavernous malformation was removed using an interhemispheric contralateral transcallosal approach. The patient had near complete resolution of her preoperative deficits with mild residual weakness in her right hand at 3-month follow-up. At 3-year follow-up, magnetic resonance imaging revealed no active cavernous malformation, and the patient had no recurrence of symptoms. This manuscript was conducted in accordance with the ethical standards of our institution's Institutional Review Board. The patient gave informed consent for surgery and video recording.