Microsurgical removal of a cavernous malformation on the midbrain dorsal surface using the supracerebellar infratentorial approach: а clinical case

Abstract

Common surgical approaches to the dorsal midbrain include: the occipital transtentorial, supracerebellar infratentorial, posterior subtemporal, and the tonsilloveal transaqueductal approaches.

Case report. A 38-year-old man presented with mild right-sided weakness and diplopia following an episode of headache and vomiting two weeks prior to admission. A neurological examination revealed mild right-sided weakness, a downward and outward strabismus, a mild left ocular mydriasis and accommodation paralysis alongside alternating syndrome. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a 20×30×25 mm rupture of the cavernous malformation of the left midbrain peduncle as well as hematomas within the cavernoma. Using the supracerebellar infratentorial approach in a sitting position with minimal incision of dorsal midbrain, the cavernoma was completely resected together with surrounding subacute hematoma. In the early postoperative period, a regression of neurological symptoms was observed.

Discussion. The choice of median suboccipital craniotomy and contralateral supracerebellar infratentorial approach is the preferred route for complete resection of cavernoma of dorsal midbrain surface in order to avoid any postoperative neurological deficit.