Ultrasound-guided neuronavigation of deep-seated cavernous haemangiomas: clinical results and navigation techniques

The aim of this study was to evaluate guidance techniques and patient outcomes of ultrasound-guided neuronavigation of deep-seated intracerebral cavernous hemangiomas (CAs). Thirty-five patients with deep-seated intracerebral CAs with sizes ranging between 7 and 45 mm were operated upon only with ultrasound-guidance. Twenty-seven were located in or near eloquent regions. In 30 patients dissection to the lesion was performed through sulci and fissures. The best approach to a lesion based on surface anatomy and depth was determined using sonographic information. Navigation was done sonographically. In five patients the shortest approach via a corticotomy was determined sonographically. Twenty-six patients had no neurological deficit postoperatively. Preoperative deficits improved in seven of nine patients. Fifteen of 19 patients suffering epileptic seizures had no seizures postoperatively. Intraoperative sonography revealed residual CA tissue after microsurgical extirpation in two cases. This report shows that intraoperative sonographic navigation provides safe guidance to deep-seated CAs with good clinical outcome independent of size.