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Craniocervical intradural pseudotumor causing bulbomedullary compression
Inês Almeida Lourenço1, Diogo Roque1, Nuno Cubas Farinha1
1Department of Neurosurgery, Hospital de Santa Maria, Lisboa, Portugal.
Surgical Neurology International
|July 14, 2025
Summary
Rare pseudotumors compressing the brainstem can cause neurological deficits. Surgical removal of these lesions offers significant symptom improvement and recovery.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Neuropathology
Background:
- Pseudotumors are uncommon lesions that can compress neural structures.
- Treatment strategies vary from conservative approaches to surgical intervention.
Observation:
- A 59-year-old female experienced progressive neurological symptoms including headaches, speech and swallowing difficulties, gait disturbance, and left-sided weakness.
- Cervical MRI revealed a right-sided mass compressing the bulbomedullary junction.
- Surgical removal of the intradural mass was performed via a modified right-sided far lateral craniotomy.
Findings:
- Postoperative recovery showed gradual improvement in the patient's symptoms.
- Histopathological examination identified an acellular fibrocartilaginous mass, confirming the diagnosis of pseudotumor.
Implications:
- Pseudotumors at the craniocervical junction can lead to progressive tetraparesis.
- Complete surgical excision of these pseudotumors can result in substantial symptom resolution.
