A Case of Foramen Magnum and C1–C2 Meningiomas: Double Challenge, One Approach

Abstract

Objectives We present a challenging case of a 61-year-old male patient with a double meningioma. The first one was located on the right side of foramen magnum and the second one was located on left anterolateral side of C1–C2.

Background Patient referred at our institution for a progressive spastic paraparesis from approximately 1 year with a recent onset of numbness in right hand. Neuroradiological imaging showed an extra-axial enhancing tumor with a dural tail on the right border of foramen magnum and another contralateral extra-axial enhancing lesion at C1–C2 level ([Fig. 1]).

Results We have chosen a park bench position. Neurophysiological monitoring was used during both positioning and surgery. A linear skin incision in the occipital region extended to C7 was performed and a suboccipital craniotomy with the laminectomy of C1–C3 was performed ([Fig. 2]). Videofluroangiography was performed to the best visualization of the vertebral artery position during microsurgical dissection and exposure of craniovertebral junction region. An Y-shape dural opening was executed and two meningiomas was resected with the classical four D steps (devascularize, detach, debulking, and dissect). All anatomical structures were respected and there were no changes at neuromonitoring. Patient was discharged after 10 days in good neurological condition.

Conclusion a single approach for multiple meningiomas of the craniovertebral junction and upper cervical spine region is feasible and effective. Videofluoroangiography as a way to achieve better visualization and control of the vertebral artery, and neurophysiological monitoring are crucial tools to reduce the morbidity of this surgical challenge.

The link to the video can be found at: https://youtu.be/4w9HCfQZkgg.

Keywords

meningiomas - Atlas - craniocervical junction - cervical spine - skull base approaches

Fig. 1 Pre- and postoperative MRI. MRI, magnetic resonance imaging.

Fig. 2 Surgical field after suboccipital craniotomy and C1-C3 laminectomy.

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Conflict of Interest

None declared.

Publication History

Received: 28 February 2019

Accepted: 04 January 2020

Article published online:
24 August 2020