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Intradural suprasellar chondroid chordoma
Liu Jiagang1, Liu Yanhui, Su Xueying
1Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu wai nan guo xue xiang 37#, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China.
Abstract:
We report a 51-year-old man with an unusual intradural suprasellar chondroid chordoma. He presented with headache and diminution of vision in both eyes. MRI demonstrated the suprasellar tumor as an isointense mass with heterogeneous enhancement after intravenous administration of contrast agent. There was neither bony nor dural association, and gross-total removal of the mass was performed using a left extended pterional approach. Based on the histological characteristics of the tumor, which was composed of typical chordoma cells and islands of chondroid elements, we diagnosed a chondroid chordoma. We believe this is the first report of an entirely intradural chondroid chordoma on the suprasellar region. Clinical, radiological, and pathological features of the tumor are described.
Insights
This study details a rare case of an entirely intradural chondroid chordoma in the suprasellar region of a 51-year-old man. The tumor was successfully removed, offering insights into this unusual brain tumor presentation.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Neuropathology
- Oncology
Background:
- Chordomas are rare bone tumors that typically arise at the skull base or spine.
- Chondroid chordomas are a subtype characterized by chondroid elements, often associated with bone or dura.
- Suprasellar tumors can present with visual disturbances and headaches due to mass effect.
Observation:
- A 51-year-old male presented with headache and progressive vision loss.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed an isointense, heterogeneously enhancing intradural suprasellar mass.
- The tumor showed no apparent bony or dural attachment.
Findings:
- Gross-total resection of the suprasellar mass was achieved via a left extended pterional approach.
- Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of chondroid chordoma, with typical chordoma cells and chondroid matrix.
- This represents the first reported instance of a purely intradural chondroid chordoma in the suprasellar location.
Implications:
- This case expands the understanding of chordoma's diverse presentations and locations.
- Highlights the importance of considering rare intradural tumors in the differential diagnosis of suprasellar masses.
- Surgical resection via an extended pterional approach can be effective for such lesions.
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