title: Pontine cavernous angioma resected using the subtemporal, anterior transpetrosal approach determined using three-dimensional anisotropy contrast imaging: technical case report.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Iwate Medical University School of Medicine, Morioka, Iwate, Japan.
authors.forename: Hiroshi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kashimura
authors.forename: Takashi
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Inoue
authors.forename: Kuniaki
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Ogasawara
authors.forename: Akira
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ogawa
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media