Robot-Assisted Stereotactic Shunting as a Novel Treatment for Pontine Glioependymal Cysts

J Neurol Surg A Cent Eur Neurosurg DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1726109In this case report, the authors describe the first case of a glioependymal cyst of the brainstem managed by robot-assisted, stereotactic, cysto-ventricular shunting. Glioependymal cysts are rare congenital cystic lesions that are thought to form by displacement of ependymal cells during the embryonal period. Glioependymal cysts have been reported in a variety of different locations within the central nervous system. However, glioependymal cysts of the brainstem have only been described once before. Here, we report the case of a 53-year-old man who was referred to our department due to hemiparesis, hemihypesthesia, and hemidysesthesia, as well as facial and abducens nerve palsy. A large pontine glioependymal cyst was confirmed via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. The cyst was subsequently decompressed by connecting the cyst with the fourth ventricle via robot-assisted stereotactic shunt placement. In the postoperative course, the patient made a quick recovery and did not report any permanent neurologic deficits. [...] Georg Thieme Verlag KG Rüdigerstraße 14, 70469 Stuttgart, GermanyArticle in Thieme eJournals: Table of contents  |  Abstract  |  Full text
Source: Journal of Neurological Surgery Part A: Central European Neurosurgery - Category: Neurosurgery Authors: Tags: Surgical Technique Source Type: research