Background:
Brainstem cavernomas (BSCs) are relatively rare intracranial vascular lesions that, if left untreated, can be devastating to the patient. The lesions are associated with a myriad of symptoms, depending on their size and location. However, medullary lesions present acutely with cardiorespiratory dysfunction. We present the case of a 5-month-old child with a BSC.
Case description:
A 5-month-old child presented for the 2nd time with sudden respiratory distress and excessive salivation. On the first presentation, brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a 13 × 12 × 14 mm cavernoma at the pontomedullary junction. She was managed conservatively but presented 3 months later with tetraparesis, bulbar palsy, and severe respiratory distress. A repeat MRI showed enlargement of the cavernoma to 27 × 28 × 26 mm with hemorrhage in different stages. After hemodynamic stabilization, complete cavernoma resection was performed through the telovelar approach with neuromonitoring. Postoperatively, the child recovered motor function, but the bulbar syndrome persisted with hypersalivation. She was discharged on day 55 with a tracheostomy.
Conclusion:
BSCs are rare lesions that are associated with severe neurological deficits due to the compactness of important cranial nerve nuclei and other tracts in the brainstem. Early surgical excision and hematoma evacuation for superficially presenting lesions can be lifesaving. However, the risk of postoperative neurological deficits is still a major concern in these patients.