A simple combined approach using anterior transpetrosal and retrosigmoid approach: A case report.

Background: A combined transpetrosal approach (CTP) is often used for large lesions in the posterior cranial fossa (PCF). Although CTP provides a wide surgical corridor, it has complex and time-consuming bony work of mastoidectomy and cosmetic issues. Here, we describe a simple combined surgical technique to approach the supratentorial region, anterolateral surface of the brainstem, petroclival region, and foramen magnum by drilling only the petrous apex with a combination of retrosigmoid approach (RA). Clinical presentation: A 27-year-old female was referred with extra-axial left cerebellopontine angle space-occupying epidermoid cyst extending to the prepontine cistern, anterior to the basilar artery, superior to the chiasma, and caudally to the foramen magnum. A one-stage surgical procedure using the anterior transpetrosal approach (ATP) and RA was performed after one-piece temporal-suboccipital craniotomy. These two approaches complemented each other well. Near-total removal was achieved. Conclusion: A one-stage surgical procedure using ATP and RA provides the wider viewing and better visualization of the PCF with minimal technical difficulty.

Leptomeningeal Carcinomatosis in a Patient with Pancreatic Cancer: A Rare Phenomenon?

Complication of leptomeningeal carcinomatosis (LMC) is critical. It causes rapid neurological deterioration, and subsequently, discontinuation of the ineffective treatment even in body tumor dormancy. Large molecular chemotherapeutic agents that are unlikely to penetrate the CSF space, are more likely to not treat LMC, typically in chemo-sensitive tumors. With the introduction of novel regimens, significant advances in overall survival have been observed even in formerly chemo-resistant tumors, such as pancreatic cancer. Although such cases are still rare, the number of pancreatic cancer patients complicated with LMC are increasing, and this therefore needs more recognition. A 49-year-old woman was diagnosed with stage IVa pancreatic cancer. She underwent surgery, and subsequent adjuvant chemotherapy. After three lines of chemotherapy over a 3-year period, where the body disease remained dormant, the patient was complicated by LMC. The diagnosis was made 4 months after the onset of headache. The patient received intrathecal methotrexate treatment but succumbed shortly after treatment induction. Pancreatic cancer is still relatively chemo-resistant and is one of the least likely types of tumor to be complicated by LMC due to patients dying of the primary tumor. Advancements in treatments have led to a prolonged period of primary tumor control, but not in the CNS due to the poor penetration of chemo-agents to this site. The present case seems to be a typical result of modern era anti-cancer therapy. Therefore, we emphasize the necessity of earlier recognition of this complication so that we can initiate specific treatment targeting the CSF space, especially in this formerly chemo-resistant tumor in order to improve its prognosis.