Pontine cavernous angioma resected using the subtemporal, anterior transpetrosal approach determined using three-dimensional anisotropy contrast imaging: technical case report.
OBJECTIVE
We describe a case of brainstem cavernous angioma resected by the subtemporal, anterior transpetrosal approach, selected on the basis of three-dimensional anisotropy contrast (3-DAC) imaging.


METHODS
A 64-year-old woman presented with sudden headache and gait disturbance. Anatomic magnetic resonance imaging showed a mass lesion in the left anterolateral part of the pons. On 3-DAC imaging, posteromedial compression of the left corticospinal and corticopontine tracts by the mass lesion was demonstrated.


METHODS
The lesion was resected through the anterolateral side of the pons via the subtemporal, anterior transpetrosal approach. Neurological symptoms improved postoperatively, and postoperative 3-DAC imaging demonstrated preservation of the corticospinal and corticopontine tracts.


CONCLUSIONS
The technique of 3-DAC imaging may provide important information regarding neural tracts for the planning of brainstem surgery.
Kashimura
Hiroshi
H
Department of Neurosurgery, Iwate Medical University School of Medicine, Morioka, Iwate, Japan.
Inoue
Takashi
T
Ogasawara
Kuniaki
K
Ogawa
Akira
A
D016880:Anisotropy; D020295:Brain Stem Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D003287:Contrast Media; D003399:Craniotomy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006392:Hemangioma, Cavernous / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011149:Pons / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery
D003287:Contrast Media