Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 21, 2026

04:34
Surgical Treatment of an Endolymphatic Sac Tumor
Published on: May 26, 2023
Intradural clival chordoma: a rare pathological entity
1Department of Neurosurgery, National Institute of Mental Health & Neurosciences, Bangalore 560029, India. dibhat@rediffmail.com
Journal of Neuro-Oncology
|July 4, 2009
Summary
Intradural chordomas, rare intracranial tumors, can cause trigeminal nerve issues. This case highlights successful surgical removal and no recurrence, offering insights into this rare tumor type.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Oncology
- Neuropathology
Background:
- Chordomas are typically extradural bone-destructive intracranial tumors, representing 1% of all such neoplasms.
- Intradural chordomas are exceptionally rare, posing diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.
Observation:
- A rare case of an intradural chordoma originating from the clivus presented with sensory neuropathy of the left trigeminal nerve.
- The patient underwent a successful total excision of the lesion using a retromastoid suboccipital surgical approach.
Findings:
- The intradural chordoma was completely removed without complications.
- One-year follow-up confirmed no evidence of tumor recurrence.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering intradural chordomas in the differential diagnosis of clival lesions presenting with neurological deficits.
- The successful surgical management highlights the feasibility of complete resection via a retromastoid suboccipital approach.
- Further review of intradural chordoma characteristics and differentiation from ecchordosis physaliphora is warranted.
Related Concept Videos
Cranial and Spinal Meninges
The cranial and spinal meninges are complex protective structures surrounding the central nervous system (CNS), consisting of the brain and spinal cord. These meninges consist of the dura mater, the arachnoid mater, and the pia mater. They protect the CNS, provide structural support, and aid in circulating cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
Cranial Meninges
These meningeal layers cover the cranium. The dura mater is the outermost layer of cranial meninges. It is a thick and durable membrane of dense...
Cranial Meninges
These meningeal layers cover the cranium. The dura mater is the outermost layer of cranial meninges. It is a thick and durable membrane of dense...
Degenerative Disc Disease ll: Pathophysiology
The symptoms of degenerative disc disease arise from a combination of mechanical compression, vascular compromise, and biochemical inflammation, which together disrupt nerve function and produce pain.Mechanical CompressionDisc degeneration reduces height and elasticity, predisposing to herniation of the nucleus pulposus, a major cause of radicular pain. Herniations may be protrusion (bulging with intact annulus), extrusion (nucleus extends beyond disc but remains connected), or sequestration...
Spinal Cord: Cross-sectional Anatomy
The cross-sectional anatomy of the spinal cord offers a detailed view of its complex structure and function within the central nervous system. At the core of the spinal cord lies the gray matter, characterized by its butterfly or "H"-shaped appearance in cross-section. This central region is enveloped by white matter, with the overall structure divided into symmetrical halves by the dorsal median sulcus and the ventral median fissure.
Gray Matter and its Components
Central to the gray matter is...
Gray Matter and its Components
Central to the gray matter is...
Increased Intracranial Pressure ll: Pathophysiology
Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) refers to a potentially life-threatening rise in pressure inside the skull. This usually happens when there is a major change in the volume of brain tissue, blood, or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) — the three components inside the skull. According to the Monro-Kellie doctrine, if the volume of one component increases, the volumes of the other components must decrease to maintain normal pressure. If this does not happen, ICP rises.The process often begins with...
Herniated Intervertebral Disc l: Introduction
Intervertebral disc herniation refers to the displacement of the nucleus pulposus (the gel-like inner core of the disc) through a tear or weakened area in the annulus fibrosus (the outer fibrous ring). The displaced disc material extends beyond the normal boundaries of the disc space and may compress or irritate nearby spinal nerve roots or, less commonly, the spinal cord.Etiology and Risk FactorsHerniation commonly results from degeneration, in which aging reduces disc hydration and...
Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology
Vasogenic edema is a major form of cerebral edema characterized by abnormal accumulation of fluid in the brain’s extracellular space due to disruption of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). The BBB is a specialized structure composed of endothelial cells connected by tight junctions, supported by astrocytic endfeet and a basement membrane. Under normal conditions, it tightly regulates the movement of ions, proteins, and solutes between the bloodstream and brain parenchyma. When this barrier loses...