Brain Tumor Research and Treatment  2014;2(2):128-131

doi:10.14791/btrt.2014.2.2.128

Large Solid Hemangioblastoma in the Cerebellopontine Angle: Complete Resection Using the Transcondylar Fossa Approach.

Byung Hoo MOON 1 ; Sang Kyu PARK ; Young Min HAN

Affiliations

+expand

Keywords

Hemangioblastoma; Cerebellopontine angle

Country

Republic of Korea

Language

English

Abstract

Hemangioblastomas (HBMs) in the cerebellopontine angle (CPA) have rarely been reported. When they are within the CPA, they may be misdiagnosed as vestibular schwannoma (VS) or cystic meningioma. Therefore, differential diagnosis is important for the safe treatment of the lesion. Large solid HBMs, similar to intracranial arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), are difficult to surgically remove from an eloquent area because of their location and hypervascularity. We report a case of an HBM in the CPA, which manifested as a hearing impairment or VS. Similar to AVM surgery, the tumor was widely opened and removed en bloc without a new neurological complication using the modified transcondylar fossa approach without resection of the jugular tubercle. Accurate diagnosis, pre-operative embolization, and a tailored approach were essential for the safe treatment of the HBM in the CPA.