RESUMO
Introduction: and importance: Vertebral-artery associated hemifacial spasm is rare. Microvascular decompression (MVD) of hemifacial spasm (HFS) associated with the vertebral artery (VA) shows high rates of incomplete cure and complications compared to non-VA-related HFS. Case presentation: A 39-year-old male who presented with a 2-year history of progressive left-sided typical HFS. Endoscopic assisted MVD for VA-associated HFS via a retro-sigmoid keyhole was performed. Neurovascular conflicts by both the VA and the AICA around the root exit zone of the facial nerve in sandwich type were successfully decompressed. Clinical discussion: Vertebral-artery associated hemifacial spasm is challenging. With the assistance of endoscopy, multiple neurovascular conflicts were clearly demonstrated without significant cerebellar retraction. The VA and AICA were safely interposed with preservation of perforators under excellent view. Conclusion: Endoscopic assisted MVD offers reliable decompression with minimum invasiveness in case of VA-associated HFS with multiple compressions.
RESUMO
INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Epidermoid cysts are rare benign tumors. Here, we present a case of spontaneous intradural epidermoid cyst at cauda equina level in a 9-year-old patient, which we believed the first case to be reported in Vietnam. CASE PRESENTATION: A 9-year-old boy presented with 4 months of spontaneous left lower extremity muscle weakness and paresthesia. The MRI images suggested the diagnosis of intradural epidermoid cyst at cauda equina level. The patient underwent L5-S1 laminectomy and durotomy for tumor resection. The histology confirmed the diagnosis of epidermoid cyst. Post-operative images demonstrated total cyst removal. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: The epidermiology, presentation and diagnosis and strategy of treatments as well as their outcomes were discussed. CONCLUSION: Diagnosis of spinal epidermoid cyst is often delayed for its obscure presentation. Microsurgical dissection along with intra-operative mobile C-Arms enable total tumor resection while preserving spinal stability and neurological function. Follow-up with post-operative magnetic resonance imaging and tumor marker are helpful.
RESUMO
INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) secondary to vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia (VBD) was a rare condition. This paper reported a successful endoscopic-assisted microvascular decompression (MVD) for TN secondary to VBD. CASE PRESENTATION: A 53-year-old male with a history of myocardial infarction and heart failure complained of left refractory facial pain three years prior to admission. His pain was intermittent, electrical-like, severe, sharp, and radiated along the maxillary and mandibular branches. He used carbamazepine 600 mg daily. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed a neurovascular conflict between VBD and the left trigeminal nerve. The endoscopic-assisted MVD was indicated. The shredded neurosurgical sponges were interposed between VBD and trigeminal nerve. The 0° and 30° rigid rod-lens endoscope was used to explore and confirm the complete decompression. Postoperatively, TN was disappeared entirely. At a three-month postoperative, no facial pain and paraesthesia were found. The patient discontinued carbamazepine permanently. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: MVD was still the most effective treatment. An inspection of root entry zone (REZ) and complete MVD with a solely operating microscope were challenging due to the massive diameter of VBD and multiple offending arteries behind the VBD. However, the wide viewing field and high-quality resolution of endoscopes allowed better visualization of REZ and neurovascular conflicts behind neural structures and least cerebellar retraction. This is essential in case of less potential space created by VBD. CONCLUSION: Endoscope-assisted MVD allowed better visualization of REZ and neurovascular conflicts behind neural structures and least cerebellar retraction in management of trigeminal neuralgia secondary to VBD.
