Combined treatment of a medulla oblongata hemangioblastoma via permanent cysto-cisternal drainage and (postponed) gamma knife radiosurgery: a case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Background

Hemangioblastomas are histologically benign tumors with a variable degree of morbidity and mortality based on various factors, including their anatomical location. The following paper illustrates a unique approach of combined therapy of a brainstem hemangioblastoma (HB) not associated with von Hippel-Lindau disease (vHLd) located in the medulla oblongata.

Case description

A 21-year-old preschool teacher presented with vertigo, followed by dysphagia, trouble coughing, tongue paresis and headache and vomiting. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a large cystic lesion with a small intramural nodule located in the left anterolateral medulla oblongata directly behind the vertebral artery. The diagnosis of hemangioblastoma was supported by digital subtraction angiography.

Conclusion

Combined therapy consisted primarily of acute surgical fenestration and permanent drainage of the cystic portion of the tumor, due to symptomatic expansion. Follow-up stereotactic gamma knife radiosurgery was performed after 2 years for minor progression of the tumor nodule. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time such approach has been described in the literature for this pathology.

Keywords:

• Hemangioblastoma
• medulla oblongata
• surgical treatment
• radiosurgery

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).