Large Cerebellopontine Angle Research Articles

Patient-Centered Neurosurgery: Improved Outcomes after Subtotal Surgical Resection and Nonframe-Based Fractionated Stereotactic Radiotherapy for Large Cerebellopontine Angle Vestibular Schwannoma

Abstract Background The novel paradigm in neurosurgery for large vestibular schwannomas (VSs) involves a combination of planned subtotal resection (STR) and scheduled postoperative fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (FSRT). Methods This retrospective observational study aimed to evaluate and compare the outcomes of patients who underwent either near-total resection (NTR) or were treated with STR and scheduled FSRT over 6 years. We systematically coded and analyzed the data to obtain comprehensive insights into the results. Results Our study included 65 patients diagnosed with large VS, who underwent retrosigmoid craniotomy and NTR or STR for tumor removal. The mean age of the cohort was 42.6 (standard deviation: 16.2) years, with 40 (61.5%) female patients. All patients presented with asymmetrical sensory neural hearing loss and other prevalent symptoms such as headache (58) and tinnitus (58). Cerebellar signs, speech abnormalities, and pyramidal signs were also observed. Ten patients underwent NTR, and 55 underwent STR followed by an FSRT at 3 months or later based on the physical and radiological findings. Facial nerve palsy was noted in all cases of those who underwent NTR, while no instances of facial nerve palsy, lower cranial nerve palsy, posterior fossa, or brain stem injury were noted in the STR group. One patient undergoing STR experienced meningitis and died despite best possible medical management. The majority of patients showed symptom improvement, and none of the patients reported recurrence at 3-year follow-up. Conclusion The combined approach of STR and FSRT ensures safety, high tumor control rates, and favorable outcomes. It provides a sensible alternative to NTR for managing large tumors, emphasizing tumor debulking while preserving neurological function for overall benefit.

Microsurgical Excision of Large Cerebellopontine Angle Tumors in Limited Resource Setting: Adapted Techniques and Operative Outcomes

Microsurgical Excision of Large Cerebellopontine Angle Tumors in Limited Resource Setting: Adapted Techniques and Operative Outcomes

The cerebellopontine angle cistern volumetric differences in trigeminal neuralgia patients with and without vertebrobasilar compression: a case-matched study.

Previous studies have indicated that the small cerebellopontine angle (CPA) cistern plays a role in the pathogenesis of trigeminal neuralgia (TN), but they are likely not involved in TN associated with vertebrobasilar artery (VBA) compression because of its rarity. Forty-four patients with VBA-associated TN and 44 age-, sex-, and hypertension-matched TN patients without VBA compression (non-VBA-associated) were included. All patients underwent high-resolution MRI. The CPA cistern volumes were measured bilaterally. The presence of vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia (VBD) and laterality of the vertebrobasilar junction (VBJ) were observed. The CPA cistern volume on the affected side was smaller than the unaffected side (714.4 ± 372.8 vs 890.2 ± 462.2 mm3, p < 0.001) in non-VBA-associated TN patients, while VBA-associated TN patients show a larger CPA cistern on the affected side than the unffected side (1107.0 ± 500.5 vs 845.3 ± 314.8 mm3, p < 0.001). The prevalence of VBD was higher in patients with VBA-associated TN than in matched non-VBA-associated TN patients (90.9% vs 4.5%, p < 0.001). A positive correlation between the laterality of VBJ and the affected side was found in the VBA-associated TN group (p < 0.0001). Large CPA cistern may be a neuroradiological feature of VBA-associated TN, and most of the VBA-associated TN is accompanied by VBD. The presence of VBD and the lateral shift of VBJ may expand the CPA cistern by squeezing the surrounding tissue on the affected side and also increase the chance of VBA compression on the trigeminal nerve, resulting in the genesis of VBA-associated TN.

Bruns Nystagmus in Cerebellopontine Angle Hemangioblastoma

Bruns nystagmus is a form of jerk nystagmus that has a localizing value in cerebellopontine angle (CPA) tumors. Hemangioblastomas involving the CPA is rare. A case of a 57-year-old male presented with Bruns nystagmus which led to the discovery of a large CPA hemangioblastoma is described. The nystagmus was compatible with the laterality of the tumor. High quality video of Bruns nystagmus was recorded.

Labyrinthitis With Negative MRI As a Precursor to Rapidly Developing Primary CNS Lymphoma of the Cerebellopontine Angle.

Few case reports have described primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) presenting as a cerebellopontine angle (CPA) lesion in HIV-positive patients. We describe a rare presentation of rapidly progressing PCNSL of the CPA/internal auditory canal (IAC) as labyrinthitis with initial negative MRI in an HIV-positive patient. A 58-year-old male with well-controlled HIV presented with sudden left sensorineural hearing loss, tinnitus, and imbalance. Vestibular testing suggested an uncompensated left peripheral vestibular weakness. MRI demonstrated facial and cochleovestibular nerve enhancement within the CPA and IAC. The presumptive diagnosis of labyrinthitis was made. Two months later, he presented to his infectious disease provider with left facial weakness and disequilibrium and was treated for presumed Bell's palsy. One month later, he presented with left corneal reflex dysfunction, decreased visual acuity, diplopia, and worsening ataxia. Repeat MRI demonstrated a new 3.6 cm lesion of the left CPA/IAC with vasogenic edema. Despite location, the mass lacked the brainstem compression characteristic of other extra-axial CPA masses such as vestibular schwannoma. Flow cytometry and cytology from cerebrospinal fluid was consistent with primary central nervous system large B-cell lymphoma. We present a unique case of rapidly progressing PCNSL of the CPA/IAC in an HIV-positive patient, presenting initially as labyrinthitis with negative MRI followed by development of multiple cranial neuropathies and 3-month repeat MRI demonstrating a large CPA mass. In HIV-positive patients with a similar initial presentation, PCNSL should considered early in the diagnostic evaluation with close clinical monitoring and a low threshold for repeat imaging.

Surgical management of large cerebellopontine angle meningiomas: long-term results of a less aggressive resection strategy.

Cerebellopontine angle (CPA) meningiomas present many surgical challenges depending on their volume, site of dural attachment, and connection to surrounding neurovascular structures. Assuming that systematic radical resection of large CPA meningiomas carries a high risk of permanent morbidity, the authors adopted an alternative strategy of optimal resection followed by radiosurgery or careful observation of the residual tumor and assessed the efficiency and safety of this approach to meningioma treatment management. This single-center retrospective cohort study included 50 consecutive patients who underwent surgery for meningioma between January 2003 and February 2020. The most common main dural attachments of the meningiomas were posterior (42%) and superior (26%) to the internal auditory meatus. The suboccipital retrosigmoid route was the most routinely used (92%). At the last follow-up examination, 93% of the patients with normal preoperative facial nerve (FN) function retained good House-Brackmann (HB) grades of I and II, whereas 3 patients (7%) displayed intermediate HB grade III FN function. Hearing preservation was achieved in 86% of the patients who presented with preoperative serviceable hearing, and recovery after surgery was achieved in 19% of the patients experiencing preoperative hearing loss. In order to preserve all cranial nerve function, gross-total resection was obtained in 26% of patients. Of the 35 patients who had undergone subtotal resection, 20 (57%) had been allocated into a wait-and-rescan treatment approach and 15 (43%) underwent upfront Gamma Knife surgery (GKS). The mean postoperative tumor volume was 1.20 cm3 in the upfront GKS group and 0.73 cm3 in the wait-and-rescan group (p = 0.08). Tumor control was achieved in 87% and 55% of cases (p < 0.001), with a mean follow-up of 85 and 69 months in the GKS and wait-and-rescan groups, respectively. The 1-, 5-, and 7-year tumor progression-free survival rates were 100%, 100%, and 89% in the GKS group and 95%, 59%, and 47% in the wait-and-rescan group, respectively (p < 0.001). Optimal nonradical resection of large CPA meningiomas provides favorable long-term tumor control and functional preservation. Adjuvant GKS does not carry additional morbidity and appears to be an efficient adjuvant treatment.

Post-operative Status of Facial Nerve in Cerebello-Pontine Angle Lesion via Retro-Sigmoid Approach; Complications and Outcome

&#x0D; Objective: To assess the post-operative status of Facial Nerve in cerebellopontine angle (CPA) lesion via retro-sigmoid approach and also its complications and outcome.&#x0D; Materials &amp; Methods: This prospective study was conducted at the Department of Neurosurgery, JPMC Karachi from a period of 10-12-2021 to 10-06-2022.The sample size of our study was 37 patients. All the patients were operated for CPA lesions and followed for three months to assess the outcome efficacy.&#x0D; Results: Our study showed that the mean age was 37 years, with a range of 27 to 65 years, in which the males were 18 (48.6%) and the females were 19 (51.4%). Out of 37 patients, 28 (75.7%) were diagnosed with vestibular schwannoma, while 6 (16.2%) were meningiomas, and 3 (8.1%) were epidermoid cysts. Gross total resection was performed in 14 (37.8%) patients, while subtotal resection (STR) in 23 (62.2%). Facial nerve function in terms of House-Brackmann at 3 months was found to be grade I in 26 (70.3%), grade II in 9 (24.3%), grade III in 1 (2.7%), and grade IV in 1 (2.7%).&#x0D; Conclusion: The CPA is a small corridor through which important neurovascular structures pass. Identification of CN VII is important in large CPA tumours to preserve facial motor nerve function. For all kinds of CPA lesions, gross total excision should be the aim of surgery.

Cochlear Obliteration after Translabyrinthine Resection for Large Cerebellopontine Angle Tumor

Introduction: The aim of this study was to better understand the onset time and factors associated with cochlear obliteration following translabyrinthine approach (TLA) surgery for large cerebellopontine angle tumors. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 117 patients with large cerebellopontine angle tumor (tumor diameter >2 cm) treated by TLA surgery from June 2011 to March 2019 in a single tertiary referral center. The Kaplan-Meier method with log-rank test was used to estimate cochlear patency survival and the association between survival and covariates, and the Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to identify possible factors associated with cochlear obliteration. Results: Of the 117 patients included in our analysis, the median follow-up was 24.8 months. There were 30 (25.6%) patients in the cochlear obliteration group, and 87 (74.4%) in the patent cochlear group. Various degrees of cochlear obliteration was found in 25.6% patients in final MRI scan, comprised of 50% grade I, 30% grade II, and 20% grade III. Cochlear patency survival curves showed 94.0% at 3 months, 73.0% at 18 months, which plateaued after 20 months with a survival rate of 71.6%. In the multivariate Cox proportional hazards model, patients presented with postoperative hyperintense T1W cochlear signal had poorer cochlear patency survival compared to isointense T1W (HR = 4.15). Similarly, postoperative deteriorated facial function (HR = 4.52) and full IAC involvement of tumor (HR = 2.33) demonstrated a higher risks of cochlear obliteration after TLA surgery. Conclusion: The 2-year estimated cochlear patency rate was 71.6% in patients that received TLA. Cochlear obliteration can develop as early as 3 months post-surgery, with no new obliteration 20 months after the surgery and half of these patients got severe obliteration. Three factors associated with cochlear obliteration were identified including full IAC involvement of tumor, postoperative facial function deterioration, and postoperative hyperintense T1W cochlear signal.

Oculomotor Abnormalities in Large Cerebellopontine Angle Tumors: A Case Series of Bruns’ Nystagmus

Oculomotor Abnormalities in Large Cerebellopontine Angle Tumors: A Case Series of Bruns’ Nystagmus

The Combined TL-RS Approach: Advantages and Disadvantages of Working 360 Degrees around the Sigmoid Sinus.

Objective To highlight the advantages and disadvantages of the combined translabyrinthine (TL) and classic retrosigmoid (RS) approaches. Design Retrospective chart review. Setting National tertiary referral center for skull base pathology. Participants Twenty-two patients with very large cerebellopontine angle tumors were resected using the combined TL-RS approach. Main Outcome Measures Preoperative patient characteristics including age, sex, and hearing loss. Tumor characteristics, pathology, and size. Intraoperative outcome: tumor removal. Postoperative outcomes included facial nerve function, residual tumor growth, and neurological deficits. Results Thirteen patients had schwannoma, eight had meningioma, and one had both. The mean age was 47 years, mean tumor size was 39 × 32 × 35 mm (anterior-posterior, medial-lateral, craniocaudal), and mean follow-up period was 80 months. Tumor control was achieved in 13 patients (59%), and 9 (41%) had residual tumor growth that required additional treatment. Seventeen patients (77%) had postoperative House-Brackmann (H-B) facial nerve function grades I to II, one had H-B grade III, one H-B grade V, and three H-B grade VI. Conclusion Combining TL and RS approaches may be helpful in safely removing large meningiomas and schwannomas in selected cases. This valuable technique should be considered when sufficient exposure cannot be achieved with the TL or RS approach alone.

Brainstem hyperintensity in patients with vestibular schwannoma is associated with labyrinth signal on magnetic resonance imaging but not vestibulocochlear tests.

Focal hyperintensity in the dorsal brainstem (HDB) has been described in large cerebellopontine angle tumours and is thought to represent vestibular nuclei degeneration, but its functional significance has not been thoroughly investigated. Our aim was to analyse its relationship to imaging characteristics of the tumour and inner-ear structures and to vestibulocochlear functional tests. We retrospectively reviewed 54 patients with a histological diagnosis of vestibular schwannoma (VS). Magnetic resonance imaging tumour characteristics (size, cystic composition and distance from the cochlear aperture), signal intensity ratio of the cochlea and vestibule in fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) and fast imaging employing steady-state acquisition (FIESTA)/fast spin-echo imaging with variable flip angles (CUBE) and vestibulocochlear function tests (audiometry, auditory brainstem response (ABR) and video head impulse testing (vHIT)) were obtained. Statistical analyses were performed to evaluate their relation to focal HDB. Focal HDB was found in 22% of VS. It was significantly associated with large (p < 0.001) and cystic (p = 0.004) tumours and also with tumours located further from the cochlear aperture (p = 0.039). The signal intensity ratio of the cochlea on FLAIR was higher in patients with HDB (p < 0.014), but this difference was not observed in FIESTA/CUBE (p = 0.981). Audiometry, ABR and vHIT results did not significantly differ in patients with HDB, but ABR results were worse in patients with higher cochlear signal intensity on FLAIR sequences (p = 0.026). Focal HDB in patients with VS was associated with increased signal intensity ratio of the cochlea on FLAIR in patients with VS but not directly to the results of vestibulocochlear function tests.

TcMEP threshold change is superior to A-train detection when predicting facial nerve outcome in CPA tumour surgery

ObjectSurgery of tumours in the cerebellopontine angle (CPA) can lead to loss of facial nerve function. Different methods of intra-operative nerve monitoring (IOM) (including free-running EMG, direct nerve stimulation and transcranial motor evoked potentials (TcMEP)) have been used to predict facial nerve outcome during surgery. Recent research has shown TcMEP threshold increase and the occurrence of A-trains on the EMG to have great potential in doing so. This study compares these two methods and correlates them to House-Brackmann (HB) scores post-op in patients with tumours in the cerebellopontine angle.MethodForty-three patients (one was operated twice) with large CPA tumours treated surgically in the Radboud University Medical Center between 2015 and 2019 were included in this study. During surgery, TcMEP threshold increases and A-train activity were measured. Because our treatment paradigm aims at facial nerve preservation (accepting residual tumour), TcMEP threshold increase of over 20 mA or occurrence of A-trains were considered as warning signs and used as a guide for terminating surgery. HB scores were measured post-op, at 6 weeks, 6 months and 1 year after surgery. Spearman’s correlation was calculated between the IOM-values and the HB scores for a homogeneous subgroup of 30 patients with vestibular schwannoma (VS) without neurofibromatosis type II (NF-II) and all patients collectively.ResultsTcMEP threshold was successfully measured in 39 (90.7%) procedures. In the homogeneous VS non-NFII group, we found a statistically significant moderate-to-strong correlation between TcMEP threshold increase and House Brackmann score immediately post-op, at 6 weeks, 6 months and 1 year after surgery (Spearman’s rho of 0.79 (p < 0.001), 0.74 (p < 0.001), 0.64 (p < 0.001) and 0.58 (p = 0.002), respectively). For A-trains, no correlation was found. Similar results were found when including all patients with CPA tumours. A threshold increase of < 20 mA was a predictor of good facial nerve outcome.ConclusionThese results show that TcMEP threshold increases are strongly correlated to post-operative HB scores, while A-trains are not. This suggests TcMEP threshold increases can be a valuable predictor for facial nerve outcome in patients with large tumours when facial nerve preservation is prioritized over total resection. In this study, we found no use for A-trains to prevent facial nerve deficits.

NF2-Related Intravestibular Schwannomas: Long-Term Outcomes of Cochlear Implantation.

Intravestibular schwannomas (IVS) are uncommon tumors in Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) and are mainly associated with multiple internal auditory meatus (IAM) and cerebellopontine angle (CPA) tumors. They usually induce profound hearing loss which can be rehabilitated by cochlear implantation (CI). The aim of this study was to analyze the long-term outcomes of CI during the unpredictable evolution of NF2 disease. Retrospective case review. Tertiary referral center. Three adults with neurofibromatosis type 2 and intravestibular schwannomas, and who were cochlear implant recipients. Periodic radiologic follow-up, tumor resection, and hearing rehabilitation. Audiological evolution, tumor evolution, surgical outcome, cochlear implant outcome. Three NF2 patients (mean age at diagnosis, 26.3 ± 3.2 yr) were identified with IVS in the period between 2000 and 2017. IVS were first observed by serial MRI and profound hearing loss occurred in this ear after 4 ± 1.5 years of follow-up. IVS were removed via a translabyrinthine approach, and ipsilateral cochlear implantations were simultaneously performed. In two patients, large contralateral CPA tumors had previously been removed without hearing preservation, whereas in the third patient, a small, growing contralateral VS was excised via a retrosigmoid approach 6 months after IVS removal/cochlear implantation with serviceable hearing preservation. In all cases, CI provided good hearing outcomes. In two cases, hearing outcomes were even better for more than 5 years when ipsilateral intracanalicular vestibular schwannomas were removed in either the same or subsequent procedures. Rehabilitation of hearing with CI provides a favorable long-term outcome in patients with NF2-related IVS which could be altered by the occurrence of other intracanalicular and/or CPA NF2-related tumors.

Ocular Tilt Reaction in Compensated Vestibular Schwannoma

Ocular Tilt Reaction in Compensated Vestibular Schwannoma

Early-Career Surgical Practice for Cerebellopontine Angle Tumors in the Era of Radiosurgery.

We analyzed the outcomes of patients with large cerebellopontine angle (CPA) tumors treated by a skull-base team in which two surgeons (one neurosurgeon and one otological surgeon) were in the beginning of their careers (<40 years old). Data of patients operated on between April 2012 and March 2016 were reviewed. All factors related to surgical training were considered. Thirty-one patients had vestibular schwannomas, while 26 had meningiomas. Mean tumor diameter was 30.6 mm (range, 23-49 mm) for schwannomas and 35 mm (range, 22-51 mm) for meningiomas. Satisfactory postoperative facial nerve function (House-Brackmann's grade I or II) was achieved in 20 (64.5%) schwannoma patients and 21 (80.7%) meningioma patients. Gross total and near-total resections (residual tumor < 5 mm) were achieved in 21 (67.7%) and 9 (29%) schwannoma patients, respectively. Gross total resection (Simpson's grade II) was achieved in 18 (69.2%) meningioma patients. In both groups, the retrosigmoid approach was the most common approach. Regarding surgical training of the two younger surgeons, during the residency period, they attended high-volume centers for CPA tumors. Application of microsurgical techniques was systematically applied from the beginning of their personal series in every intracranial pathology case. During the first 2 years of the series, they were supervised by more experienced surgeons and followed a stepwise sharing of increasingly difficult surgical phases; by comparing results of this period with the last 2 years of the series, where they acquired a complete autonomy, no relevant difference was detected. Our results suggest that young surgeons may achieve good results even at the beginning of their careers, if specific conditions related to training and mentorship are met.

Hypervascular Lesions of the Cerebellopontine Angle: The Relevance of Angiography as a Diagnostic and Therapeutic Tool and the Role of Stereotactic Radiosurgery in Management. A Comprehensive Review

The cerebellopontine angle (CPA) is a narrowed skull base area containing important cranial nerves and vessels and bordering with eloquent areas of the posterior fossa. Tumors of the CPA are a heterogeneous group and can have extradural, intradural/extra-axial, or intra-axial origins. Their vascular supply changes depending on their anatomic origin. Symptomatic, large CPA tumors require surgical resection in order to prevent irreversible, severe neurological damages. However, its tight and strategical location make surgery in the CPA very challenging and require appropriate pre-surgical planning. Pre-surgical diagnosis is of great importance as it allows us to choose the optimal management for the particular patient. This is of further significance when encountering high-risk lesions such as hypervascular tumors. Neurosurgeons should utilize every available pre-surgical diagnostic modalities as well as neo-adjuvant treatments in order to reduce such risks. We review all reported cases of hypervascular lesions of the CPA and discuss the roles of angiography and stereotactic radiosurgery in their management. Three lesions of the CPA can be considered as truly hypervascular: hemangioblastomas, hemangiopericytomas and paragangliomas. All lesions share many radiological features. However, each lesion has a different anatomical origin and hence, has a characteristic vascular supply. Pre-surgical angiography can be utilized as a diagnostic tool to narrow down the differential diagnosis of a vascular CPA lesion, based on the predominant supplying vessel. In addition, pre-surgical embolization at time of angiography will narrow the associated surgical risks. Angiography is a crucial diagnostic and therapeutic tool, helping both in narrowing the presurgical differential diagnosis and in controlling intraoperative bleeding. Because of the high surgical risks associated with resection of vascular tumors in the CPA, noninvasive treatments, such as stereotactic radiosurgery, also may have a crucial role.

Bilaterally Abnormal Head Impulse Tests Indicate a Large Cerebellopontine Angle Tumor.

Background and PurposeTumors involving the cerebellopontine angle (CPA) pose a diagnostic challenge due to their diverse manifestations. Head impulse tests (HITs) have been used to evaluate vestibular function, but few studies have explored the head impulse gain of the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) in patients with a vestibular schwannoma. This study tested whether the head impulse gain of the VOR is an indicator of the size of a unilateral CPA tumor.MethodsTwenty-eight patients (21 women; age=64±12 years, mean±SD) with a unilateral CPA tumor underwent a recording of the HITs using a magnetic search coil technique. Patients were classified into non-compressing (T1-T3) and compressing (T4) groups according to the Hannover classification.ResultsMost (23/28, 82%) of the patients showed abnormal HITs for the semicircular canals on the lesion side. The bilateral abnormality in HITs was more common in the compressing group than the non-compressing group (80% vs. 8%, Pearson's chi-square test: p<0.001). The tumor size was inversely correlated with the head impulse gain of the VOR in either direction.ConclusionsBilaterally abnormal HITs indicate that a patient has a large unilateral CPA tumor. The abnormal HITs in the contralesional direction may be explained either by adaptation or by compression and resultant dysfunction of the cerebellar and brainstem structures. The serial evaluation of HITs may provide information on tumor growth, and thereby reduce the number of costly brain scans required when following up patients with CPA tumors.

Stitchless fibrin glue-aided facial nerve grafting after cerebellopontine angle schwannoma removal: technique and results in 15 cases.

To evaluate the results of facial nerve (FN) grafting using great auricular cable graft and fibrin glue without suturing to palliate FN disruption after removal of large cerebellopontine angle (CPA) vestibular schwannoma (VS) or facial nerve schwannoma (FNS). To assess whether tumor size and origin influenced the results. Retrospective review of all patients having undergone removal of FNS/VS and needing intraoperative FN repair between 2001 and 2011. FN was rehabilitated using great auricular nerve cable graft and fibrin glue (Tisseal) without stitching suture. All data recorded were reviewed to access age, sex, tumor type, and tumor size according to the Koos classification and presenting symptoms. FN function was evaluated preoperatively and at 18 months using the House-Brackmann (HB) grading system. Among the 595 patients operated for CPA schwannomas in this period, 15 patients (2.5%) underwent FN repair, including 7 cases of FNS and 8 cases of VS. Tumor removal was total in all cases. FN recovery was HB3 in 13 cases (86.7%) and HB4 in 2. The mean time to the first clinical signs of facial reinnervation was 10 months (6-12 mo). No significant relation was found between postoperative facial function and tumor size or type, even if all cases of preoperative FP were noted in FNS. Immediate FN reconstruction with fibrin glue-aided greater auricular nerve graft can effectively restore FN function with excellent outcomes. The results seem better than those observed by other authors using sutured grafts or delayed hypoglossal-facial nerve anastomosis.

Acute Hemorrhage into Schwannomas of the Cerebellopontine Angle is an Uncommon, Life-Threatening Complication of Large Tumors

Objective: Hemorrhage into tumors has well been described in head and neck tumors. With regard to the cerebellopontine angle (CPA), this is a rarer entity. Because of its localization, however, it can be linked to severe complications. Study Design: We present two cases of known lateral skull base schwannomas that represented with acute deterioration in their condition. Management and prognosis are presented. Patients: These cases involved a 68-year-old woman with a 47 × 34 × 47 mm vestibular schwannoma (VS) with expansion of the internal acoustic meatus and no hydrocephalus. The second case was of a 64-year-old lady with a 34×40× 68mm bulbar nerve schwannoma expanding the jugular foramen also with no evidence of hydrocephalus. The patient with the bulbar schwannoma was managed conservatively due to the lack of cranial nerve palsies and symptoms and her reluctance for surgery. The patient with the vestibular schwannoma was awaiting surgery after a period of observation as the patient was initially reluctant for surgery. Both patients deteriorated suddenly and rapidly. CT showed hemorrhage into the tumors. Debulking of the vestibular schwannoma via the retrosigmoid approach was achieved while hemorrhage in the second case was fatal. Conclusion: Hemorrhage into large CPA schwannomas is rare but can be catastrophic. This should, however, be considered when patients with known large skull base schwannomas suddenly deteriorate. Urgent diagnostic imaging is indicated.

Translabyrinthine resection of neurofibromatosis type 2 associated vestibular and facial schwannomas, repair of facial nerve, and placement of auditory brainstem implant

We present video of gross-total resection of a large cerebellopontine angle tumor consisting of both vestibular and facial schwannoma components via the translabyrinthine route in a patient with neurofibromatosis type 2. The facial nerve is reconstructed using a greater auricular nerve graft, and an auditory brainstem implant is placed. Prior to surgery the patient had no facial nerve function on the operative side and had lost useful hearing. He also had usable vision only on the ipsilateral side and had contralateral vocal cord paralysis. The video can be found here: http://youtu.be/IOkEND-0vhI .