Cranial Palsy Research Articles

Expanding the Indications for Ibrutinib: Complete Remission Obtained By Induction with Ibrutinib Followed By Consolidative Ahsct in Refractory Primary CNS Lymphoma

Introduction Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is an exceedingly rare and aggressive sub-type of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Despite initial polychemotherapy that includes High-Dose Methotrexate (HD-MTX), over half of patients will develop recurrent or refractory disease that requires salvage therapy.1 Ibrutinib, a Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor, has become an alternative for salvage treatment in relapsed or refractory PCNSL (RR-PCNSL) that is particularly useful in patients who are ineligible for re-induction with HD-chemo. In RR-PCNSL, Ibrutinib led to a progression free survival (PFS) of roughly 5 months when used as monotherapy2,3 and 15 months when used as add-on therapy.4 While its role as salvage treatment has been documented, its use to facilitate consolidative autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant (AHSCT) in RR-PCNSL is not currently known. The following case describes the first known report of a patient with RR-PCNSL who achieved persistent complete remission following Ibrutinib salvage treatment and consolidative AHSCT. Case Description A 64-year-old male presented to the emergency department with a two-week history ptosis, visual abnormalities, confusion, and increasing fatigue. On physical exam, he was found to have bilateral mydriasis, left third nerve cranial palsy, severe left-sided ptosis, and restricted upwards and downward gaze of the right eye. A contrast-CT was performed which showed multiple areas of abnormal enhancement throughout the frontal lobes, corpus callosum, and midbrain associated with significant vasogenic edema. These findings were confirmed on MRI. He underwent a stereotactic guided burr hole biopsy which was consistent with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Immunohistochemistry performed on the tissue showed that the neoplastic cells were CD3(-), CD5(-), CD20(+), CD10(-), BCL2(subset +), BCL6(+), MUM1(+) and Cyclin D1(-). Staging CT and bone marrow biopsy showed no evidence of systemic disease. He was diagnosed with PCNSL and went on to receive induction therapy with Rituximab, Methotrexate, Procarbazine, and Vincristine (R-MPV) with curative intent and received a total of 7 cycles. Initially, he had a significant radiographic response with a repeat MRI post cycle 4 showing only a few small areas of residual enhancement. However, after completion of the 7 cycles of R-MPV, his MRI showed evidence of disease progression with both new and enlarging intra-axial lesions. Given his ECOG of 0 and lack of comorbidities, it was decided that he would proceed with salvage treatment with Cytarabine and Etoposide with curative intent for refractory PCNSL. Unfortunately, after only four weeks of receiving cycle one of Cytarabine and Etoposide, a repeat MRI showed evidence of disease progression. He was then transitioned to palliative therapy with prednisone up until December 2017, at which point he was able to obtain Ibrutinib on a compassionate basis. He was started on Ibrutinib salvage therapy and achieved radiographic evidence of complete remission after four months of treatment. There were minimal adverse effects of Ibrutinib therapy, most notably a severe neutropenia requiring a temporary discontinuation of therapy for two weeks. He underwent consolidative AHSCT with Thiotepa, Busulfan and Melphalan conditioning in August 2018. His post-transplant course was complicated by culture negative febrile neutropenia with a subsequent source determined to be Clostridium difficile for which he was treated. An MRI head performed 3 months after his AHSCT showed no evidence of recurrent or residual disease. He continues to be followed by the Hematology Service in Newfoundland and has remained in complete remission since. Conclusions This case demonstrates the feasibility of a salvage approach using Ibrutinib followed by AHSCT when standard salvage options have been exhausted in refractory PCNSL. OffLabel Disclosure: Ibrutinib's indications do not currently include use as a induction treatment prior to AHSCT in refractory/recurrent PCNSL.

Variation of Mass Effect After Using a Flow Diverter With Adjunctive Coil Embolization for Symptomatic Unruptured Large and Giant Intracranial Aneurysms.

Background: Mass effect associated with large or giant aneurysms is an intractable problem for traditional endovascular treatments. Preventing recurrence of aneurysms requires dense coiling, which may aggravate the mass effect. However, the flow diverter (FD) is a new device that avoids the need for dense coiling. This study was performed to investigate whether use of FDs with adjunctive coil embolization can relieve the aneurysmal mass effect and to explore the factors that affect the variation of compressional symptoms.Methods: We retrospectively evaluated patients with compressional symptoms caused by unruptured aneurysms who underwent endovascular treatment with an FD with adjunctive coil embolization at our center from January 2015 to December 2017. Imaging follow-up included digital subtraction angiography (DSA) ranging from 11 to 14 months and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) ranging from 24 to 30 months; the former was used to evaluate the intracavitary volume, and the latter was used to measure the variation of the mass effect. Follow-up physical examinations were performed to observe variations of symptoms.Results: In total, 22 patients with 22 aneurysms were treated by an FD combined with coil embolization. All 22 patients underwent the last clinical follow-up. Regarding compressional symptoms, 12 (54.54%) patients showed improvement, 6 (27.27%) were fully recovered, and 6 (27.27%) showed improvement but with incomplete cranial palsy. However, five (22.72%) patients showed no change, four (18.18%) showed worsening symptoms compared with their preoperative state, and one (4.55%) died of delayed rupture. Seventeen of the 22 patients underwent MRI. Of these 17 patients, the aneurysm shrank in 13 (76.47%) and no significant change occurred in 4 (23.53%). In the multivariate analysis, a short duration from symptom occurrence to treatment (p = 0.03) and younger patient age (p = 0.038) were statistically significant factors benefiting symptom improvement, and shrinkage of the aneurysm was associated with favorable clinical outcomes (p = 0.006).Conclusions: Use of the FD with adjunctive loose coil embolization might help to alleviate the compressional symptoms caused by intracranial aneurysms. Shrinkage of the aneurysm, a short duration of symptoms, and younger patient age might contribute to favorable outcomes of mass effect-related symptoms.

Bilateral sixth nerve cranial palsy: Should we think of Myasthenia Gravis? (P2.2-103)

Bilateral sixth nerve cranial palsy: Should we think of Myasthenia Gravis? (P2.2-103)

Supratotal Resection of Residual Clival Chordoma With Combined Endoscopic Endonasal and Contralateral Transmaxillary Approaches: 2-Dimensional Operative Video.

The optimal treatment for skull base chordomas is gross total resection followed by radiotherapy and not radiation of partially resected tumors. Supratotal resection, defined as removal beyond all involved bone and dura, is ideal but difficult to achieve. In this video, we present the case of a 37-yr-old man with new onset of progressive cranial nerve sixth palsy and a skull base lesion compatible with clival chordoma. He underwent partial surgical resection at an outside institution via transcranial approach, with significant tumor residual at the clivus, dorsum sella, posterior clinoids, and petrous apex, extensive dural invasion, and intradural extension with attachment to the basilar artery and its long perforating branches. Supratotal surgical resection was achieved using an endoscopic endonasal transclival approach, ipsilateral transpteryoid approach to the foramen lacerum for carotid artery mobilization, bilateral interdural transcavernous approach with posterior clinoidectomies, and con-tralateral transmaxillary approach to the petrous apex. Reconstruction was performed in a multilayer fashion with fascia lata and fat grafts, extended nasoseptal flap, a lumbar drainage for 3 d. No cerebrospinal fluid leak occurred, and the abducens nerve palsy significantly improved at 3-mo follow-up. Proton therapy is planned. Recent advances in endoscopic endonasal surgery allow for very high rates of complete and even supratotal resection despite the challenging location. A long learning curve to acquire the technical skills and complex surgical anatomy is required to decrease complication rates and achieve maximal resection in chordomas. Reoperations are more challenging and risky; therefore, first attempt should have curative intent. The patient signed informed consent including the use of photographic and video material for educational or academic purposes.

A retrospective review of 14 cases of malignant otitis externa

BackgroundMalignant otitis externa is an inflammatory condition of the external ear which has the propensity to spread to the skull base. It can be a difficult entity to treat as clinical presentation varies and response to treatment differs between patients. We reviewed cases of malignant otitis externa in our setup to document the epidemiology and outcome of management. MethodsThis is a retrospective case review observational study from January 2013–December 2017. Fourteen patients diagnosed with malignant otitis externa in our tertiary referral centre were included in the study. Based on hospital protocol, empiric treatment was started. After discharge, the patients follow up visits to the hospital were also documented. ResultsOtalgia was the most common symptom. Edema and congestion of the external auditory canal were observed in most cases. Diabetes was present in all patients. Three cases had associated facial palsy, and one patient had involvement of 7th, 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th cranial nerve. Two patients with facial palsy recovered. Pseudomonas aeuroginosa was the most common organism isolated (50%). ConclusionsIn our series, malignant otitis externa invariably presented with severe otalgia. Lower cranial palsies were also seen. Methods to evaluate complete eradication of disease should be centered on clinical symptoms and signs, but the measurement of erythrocyte sedimentation rate or radiological imaging may be used as a useful adjunct when there is uncertainty.

Child Neurology: Mimics of cerebral sinovenous thrombosis: A pediatric case series.

Cerebral sinovenous thrombosis (CSVT) is an uncommon but increasingly recognized condition in children because of greater clinical awareness and improvement in imaging techniques.1 Diagnosis is primarily radiologic. Clinical presentation is often nonspecific, including headache, vomiting, lethargy, cranial nerve 6th palsy, and neonatal seizures.1 Demonstration of an intraluminal filling defect and impairment of blood flow within the affected venous channel, with either magnetic resonance or CT venography (MRV or CTV), is generally considered sufficient to radiologically confirm thrombosis before initiation of anticoagulants. There are potential pitfalls in the interpretation of filling defects and flow disturbances on both MRV and CTV.2,3 We present 3 cases diagnosed as CSVT with intraluminal filling defects and flow impairment in dural venous sinuses, which illustrate these potential pitfalls.

Cerebral Sinovenous Thrombosis and Multiple Cranial Palsies due to Mature B-Cell Leukemia

Cerebral Sinovenous Thrombosis and Multiple Cranial Palsies due to Mature B-Cell Leukemia

Cerebral Sinovenous Thrombosis and Multiple Cranial Palsies due to Mature B-Cell Leukemia

Akut lenfoblastik losemi cocukluk caginin en sik hematolojik malignensisidir. Sik semptomlar, inatci ates, ilerleyici solukluk, kanama, kilo kaybi, kemik ve eklem agrilaridir. Biz, serebral sinovenoz trombozisi ve coklu kranial palsisi olan akut lenfoblastik losemili bir cocuk rapor ettik. Sonuc olarak, ayakta tedavi edilen her hastanin norolojik muayenesinin dikkatli yapilmasini tavsiye ediyoruz. Bu yaklasim kuskusuz ciddi hastaliklarin sebep oldugu agir norolojik bulgulari ortaya cikaracaktir.

Kystes dermoïdes de la fosse cérébrale postérieure chez l’enfant révélés par des méningites aseptiques récidivantes : à propos de deux cas et revue de la littérature

IntroductionDermoid cysts of central nervous system are very rare. The usual clinical presentation is dominated by intracranial hypertension, epilepsy and cranial palsy. The revelation mode could be recurrent aseptic meningitis. AimThe aim of this case report is to consider the dermoid cyst as regards the differential diagnosis in children treated for recurrent aseptic meningitis to avoid misdiagnosis and ice qui a orienté le diagnostic à une méningitnadequate treatment. MethodsTwo children were admitted in the pediatric department for recurrent aseptic meningitis. The MRI confirmed the presence of a posterior fossa dermoid cyst. ResultsLoss of meningitis after microsurgical resection. ConclusionThe diagnosis of dermoid cyst is performed and reconsidered at an early stage in aseptic meningitis in order to establish an adequate therapy, which is surgery.

Simplified approach of Gokyigit's technique for complete cranial nerve third palsy.

To evaluate a simpler approach of the medial transposition of split lateral rectus technique in patients with complete third nerve palsy. All eyes with complet third nerve palsy were followed in our Strabismus Department between 2014 and 2016. All patients had complete oculamotor nerve palsy. All patients assed routine ophthalmologic examination. Also the ocular deviation, horizontal and vertical ocular alignments were measured at 6 m and at 1/3 m using the Krimsky corneal reflection test and alternate prism cover test with best optical correction. Same surgeon (BG) performed all procedures in general anesthesia. In this procedure, same Gokyigit's technique except upper and lower part of lateral rectus muscle was passed under the superior oblique tendon and inferior oblique tendon. Final deviation from 0 to 14PD was considered a successful result. Eight patients were included in the study. The average ages were 39.4years and male to female ratio 5:3. Patients had a preoperative horizontal deviation -42.5±2.7 PD and postoperative horizontal deviation -1.7±2.6 PD. All patients follow-up time were at least 6months. Achieved to acceptable alignment in primary position, manage to diplopia and cosmetical appearance are the main aims of patients with third nerve palsy.

Neurological complications of lumbar and cervical dural punctures with a focus on epidural injections

Background:Various types of lumbar dural punctures may contribute to neurological injury. The etiologies of dural injury include; inadvertent dural punctures due to epidurals placed for labor anesthesia, epidural steroid injections (ESI/transforaminal TESI; approximately 9 million ESI performed in the US per year), deliberate placement of intradural pain devices, and spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistulas. Resulting neurological complications may include; spinal headaches/intracranial hypotension, subdural hematomas, and 6th nerve cranial palsies. Furthermore, uniquely in the cervical spine, inadvertent cervical dural punctures attributed to cervcial ESI (CESI) may lead to intramedullary spinal cord injuries (e.g. resulting in monoparesis to quadriplegia) or spinal cord strokes due to intravascular/vertebral artery injections.Methods/Results:In 8 studies, inadvertent lumbar dural punctures contributed to intracranial hypotension, subdural hematomas, and double vision/6th cranial nerve palsies. In 5 of the 6 studies, inadvertent dural punctures occurring during CESI were responsible for intramedullary spinal cord injuries, or direct intravascular/vertebral injections resulting in monoplegia/quadriplegia.Conclusions:Inadvertent lumbar dural punctures led to multiple neurological complications including intracranial hypotension, subdural hematomas, and double vision/6th cranial nerve palsies. Uniquely, inadvertent cervical dural punctures solely due to CESI directly resulted in intramedullary spinal cord injuries or cord stroked and monoplegia/quadriplegia attributed to intravascular/vertebral artery injections. The potential neurological risks/complications/adverse events attributed to lumbar and cervical ESI must be taken into account before spine surgeons and others order these procedures.

Transvenous microguidewire looping technique for breach of ipsilateral inferior petrosal sinus occlusions en route to cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistulas.

Transarterial access to dural arteriovenous fistulas (dAVFs) has been popularized by device improvements and novel embolic materials. However, this approach is limited in the cavernous sinus (CS) because of related complications and low cure rates. Although a transvenous approach, via ipsilateral inferior petrosal sinus (IPS), may be more suitable for CS-dAVFs, microcatheter delivery is occasionally impeded by ipsilateral IPS occlusion. Described herein is a microguidewire looping method to breach such occlusions, thus enabling access to CS lesions. A microcatheter is initially advanced into the IPS orifice, and a microguidewire is passed into the occluded IPS. Looping is easily achieved through the resistance met. With greater support of the guiding catheter, the microguidewire (still looped) is then advanced into the CS. When nearing the CS, the microcatheter is further reinforced, and it is navigated along the microguidewire into the CS. This technique was applied in 10 instances of CS-dAVF with ipsilateral IPS occlusion, enabling ipsilateral access to the CS. In eight cases (80%), microdevice advancement was successful, culminating in effective transvenous coil embolization. Clinical and radiologic outcomes in all patients were excellent, with no delayed post-procedural cranial palsies. This microguidewire looping technique enables safe and effective entry into the CS during transvenous coil embolization of CS-dAVFs with ipsilateral IPS occlusion.

Pretemporal transcavernous approach tailored surgery of cavernous sinus tumors: a consecutive series of 31 cases report

To investigate the indications of the pretemporal transcavernous approach for cavernous sinus tumors resection and design individually tailored surgery according to the extent of tumors and operation requirements. A retrospective analysis of clinical data, surgical outcomes and complications in a series of 31 cases with cavernous sinus tumor operated via the individually tailored pretemporal transcavernous approach between May 2012 and September 2015 in Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University. There were 13 male and 18 female patients, aging from 17 to 67 years with a mean of (41±14) years. The patients included 18 cases of shwannomas, 4 cases of meningiomas, 3 cases of cavernous hemangiomas, 2 cases of invasive pituitary adenomas, 1 case of chordoma, 1 case of chondroma, 1 case of recurrent teratoma, 1 case of metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma. The first followed-up visit was on the 3(rd) month after surgery, and if tumor progression or recurrence was observed on MRI, the Gamma knife treatment was recommended, the patient was followed up every 6 months, otherwise the patient was followed up again 6 months later, then, every 12 months. Gross total removal of tumors was achieved in 22 cases of 31 patients (71.0%), containing 17 cases of shwannomas, 3 cases of hemangiomas, 1 case of chondroma, 1 case of teratoma; subtotal removal in 6 cases (19.3%), including 3 cases of meningiomas, 1 case of pituitary adenoma, 1 case of chordoma, 1 case of metastatic carcinoma; partial removal in 3 cases (9.7%), comprising 1 case of meningioma, 1 case of recurrent shwannoma, 1 case of recurrent pituitary adenoma. The symptoms of cranial never aggravated in 5 cases, the new postoperative cranial never palsy was observed in 7 cases. There was no surgical mortality, intracranial hematoma, intracranial infection and cerebrospinal fluid leakage cases, ect. Twenty-eight cases were followed up for more than 3 months (3 to 40 months), 1 case of chordoma had tumor progression; the nerve function was restored in 5 cases, among the 12 cases with postoperatively new occurred or deteriorated cranial nerve paralysis. The pretemporal transcavernous approach can be used to resect tumors limited in cavernous sinus or tumors simultaneously involving the cavernous sinus and its vicinity areas, it can be individually tailored based on the extent and exposure of the tumor. This approach can improve the surgical results in terms of high tumor resection rate, less complication, is an ideal approach for cavernous sinus tumor resection.

Isolated fourth cranial nerve palsy due to pituitary macroadenoma

Isolated fourth cranial palsy is a rare presentation of a pituitary adenoma. We encountered a male who presented with vertical diplopia on looking downwards as the only presenting symptom of a pituitary adenoma. MRI scan confirmed the diagnosis of a pituitary macroadenoma with parasellar extension compressing the fourth cranial nerve in the right cavernous sinus.

Isolated Cranial Nerve-III Palsy Secondary to Perimesencephalic Subarachnoid Hemorrhage.

We describe isolated cranial nerve-III palsy as a rare clinical finding in a patient with perimesencephalic subarachnoid hemorrhage. In this unusual case, the patient presented with complete cranial nerve-III palsy including ptosis and pupillary involvement. Initial studies revealed subarachnoid hemorrhage in the perimesencephalic, prepontine, and interpeduncular cisterns. Angiographic studies were negative for an intracranial aneurysm. The patient's neurological deficits improved with no residual deficits on follow-up several months after initial presentation. Our case report supports the notion that patients with perimesencephalic subarachnoid hemorrhage have an excellent prognosis. Our report further adds a case of isolated cranial nerve-III palsy as a rare initial presentation of this type of bleeding, adding to the limited body of the literature.

Does delayed facial involvement implicate a pattern of “descending reversible paralysis” in Fisher syndrome?

ObjectiveDelayed facial palsy (DFP) has often been described during the recovery stage of Fisher syndrome (FS), but the implications of DFP in FS pathophysiology have not been reported previously. The aim of this study was to identify the incidence and clinical course of DFP in FS, and to determine its clinical/pathophysiological implications in FS. MethodsAbout 71 FS patients were enrolled from seven university-based hospitals in Korea. DFP was defined with respect to new development of unilateral or bilateral facial palsies with delayed onset after either the nadir or improvement of initial neurological signs of FS. ResultsEleven of the 71 patients (16%) satisfied the definition of DFP. No other cranial palsies developed as a delayed pattern. With the exception of two patients with bulbar involvement, DFP developed after a latent period of upper-cranial neuropathies. Comparison of FS patients without and with DFP revealed no significant clinical, serological, or electrophysiological differences. All except one patient with DFP exhibited a good outcome within 1 month of follow-up. ConclusionDFP was identified as a common and specific phenomenon in FS. Nearly all cases of DFP were developed in a descending manner and were associated with a good outcome, while other cranial neuropathies developed or followed as a sequential pattern. These findings suggest the involvement of so-called “descending reversible paralysis” in the pathophysiology of FS.

Patients with ocular symptoms referred for electrodiagnosis: how many of them suffer from myasthenia gravis?

The aim of this study was the diagnosis of patients with isolated ocular manifestations (ptosis and/or diplopia) referred for electrophysiological evaluation to the electrodiagnostic laboratory of a University Neurological Department. Examination was performed either in inpatient status or in outpatient basis. We analyzed the clinical, electrophysiological and other laboratory data in 79 subjects. Myasthenia gravis (MG) was diagnosed in 38 %, 45.6 % in other diseases (Graves disease, blepharospasm, IIId cranial verve palsy, multiple sclerosis, stroke, etc.), while in 16.5 %, the cause remained unidentified. Symptoms fluctuation was significantly more frequent in the myasthenic patients, compared to patients with other diseases. The presence of both diplopia and ptosis are more likely due to MG rather than other pathology.

New Onset Diplopia in Patients with Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma following Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy: Clinical Features and Etiology.

Purpose. To investigate the clinical features and etiology of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients with new onset diplopia after concurrent chemoradiotherapy. Methods. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of NPC patients with new onset diplopia after concurrent chemoradiotherapy from 1998 to 2012 in a cancer center. Their clinical manifestations of ocular motor dysfunction in relation to etiology were investigated. Results. Twenty-three NPC patients with diplopia after concurrent chemoradiotherapy were enrolled in this study. Unilateral cranial VI palsy (91%) was the most common ocular motor dysfunction in these patients. The new onset diplopia in these patients was secondary to tumor recurrence in 12 cases (52%), radiation neuropathy in 8 cases (35%), and skull base osteoradionecrosis in 3 cases (13%). Patients with tumor recurrence and skull base osteoradionecrosis tended to present a rapid progression of the nerve palsy or severe ocular duction deficit. Patients with radiation neuropathy were often manifested by incomplete nerve palsy with insidious onset and slow progression. Patients with osteoradionecrosis were associated with poor prognosis. Conclusions. A new onset diplopia in NPC patients could be caused by tumor recurrence or treatment complications such as radiation neuropathy and osteoradionecrosis, and they show diverse clinical symptoms, course, and outcome.

Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenges in IgG4-Related Disease in the Sphenoid Sinus

Immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4) related disease is a newly recognized fibro inflammatory condition characterized by tumefactive lesions, a dense lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate rich in IgG4-positive plasma cells, storiform fibrosis and often but not always, elevated serum IgG4 concentrations. We present a 38 years old female complaining of headache which was progressive and unilateral resistant to analgesics. Diagnosed as a case of migraine started anti migraine treatment with no benefit, it was further complicated by 3rd, 4th and 6th Cranial Palsy. Radiological finding of opacification of left sphenoid sinus with extension to the left cavernous sinus along with bone erosion was noted. The biopsy from the sphenoid sinus mass showed a moderately dense lymphoplasmacytic infiltration accompanied with fibrosis. Immunostaining for IgG4 show significant increase in IgG4-positive plasma cells with IgG4-IgG ratio > 40% and >100 IgG4 positive plasma cells per High Field Focus (HPF), giving the diagnosis of IgG4 sinusitis. This is a rare case of IgG4 related disease in the sphenoid sinus. Clinical, radiological and therapeutic challenges are discussed.

Eight and a Half Syndrome with Hemiparesis and Hemihypesthesia: The Nine Syndrome?

"Eight-and-a-half" syndrome is "one-and-a-half" syndrome (conjugated horizontal gaze palsy and internuclear ophthalmoplegia) plus ipsilateral fascicular cranial nerve seventh palsy. This rare condition, particularly when isolated, is caused by circumscribed lesions of the pontine tegmentum involving the abducens nucleus, the ipsilateral medial longitudinal fasciculus, and the adjacent facial colliculus. Its recognition is therefore of considerable diagnostic value. We report a 71-year-old man who presented with eight and a half syndrome associated with contralateral hemiparesis and hemihypesthesia, in which brain magnetic resonance imaging scans revealed a lacunar pontine infarction also involving the corticospinal tract and medial lemniscus. These features could widen the spectrum of pontine infarctions, configuring a possible "nine" syndrome.