Intraoperative localization of intracranial cavernomas by real time 3D ultrasonography: first experiences

ABSTRACT

The aim of this preliminary study was the test the feasibility of intraoperative real time 3D ultrasonography [US] in the prediction of brain cavernomas localization. During a time period of May to August 2009, 7 consecutive patients with intracranial cavernomas [3 supratentorial, 4 brainstem], were operated with the support of intraoperative true real time 3D US [iU 22, Philips, USA]. The ultrasound images were achieved in 2 simultaneous orthogonal planes to find the exact site to corticotomy. Intraoperative true real time 3D US anatomically provided detailed information and good delineation of landmarks in 5 patients [all patients with supratentorial cavernomas and 2 patients with brainstem cavernomas] with a fair delineation in 2 patients with deep-seated brainstem cavernomas. Our primary experience regarding this new technology suggests that intraoperative true real time 3D US is useful to localize cerebral cavernomas and less useful in localization of deep-seated brainstem cavernomas