Endoscopic Endonasal Transethmoidal-Transsphenoidal Approach to a Cavernous Sinus Chondrosarcoma

Abstract

Objective  We illustrate a cavernous sinus chondrosarcoma treated with an endoscopic endonasal transethmoidal-transsphenoidal approach.

Design  Case report of a 15-year-old girl with diplopia and esotropia due to complete abducens palsy. Preoperative images showed a right cavernous sinus lesion with multiple enhanced septa and intralesional calcified spots ( Fig. 1 ). Considering tumor location and the lateral dislocation of the carotid artery, an endoscopic endonasal approach was performed to relieve symptoms and to optimize the target geometry for adjuvant conformal radiotherapy.

Setting  The study was conducted at University of Insubria, Department of Neurosurgery, Varese, Italy.

Participants  Skull base team was participated in the study.

Main Outcome Measures  A transethmoidal-transsphenoidal approach was performed by using a four-hand technique. We used a route lateral to medial turbinate to access ethmoid and the sphenoid sinus. During the sphenoid phase, we exposed the medial wall of the cavernous sinus ( Fig. 2 ) and the lesion was then removed using curette. Skull base reconstruction was performed with fibrin glue and nasoseptal flap.

Results  No complications occurred after surgery, and the patient experienced a complete recovery of symptoms. A postoperative magnetic resonance imaging showed a small residual tumor inside the cavernous sinus ( Fig. 1 ). After percutaneous proton-bean therapy, patient experienced only temporary low-grade toxicity with local control within 2 years after treatment completion.

Conclusion  Endoscopic endonasal extended approach is a safe and well-tolerated procedure that is indicated in selected cases (intracavernous tumors, soft tumors not infiltrating the vessels and/or the nerves). A tailored approach according to tumor extension is crucial for the best access to the compartments involved.

The link to the video can be found at: https://youtu.be/TsqXjqpuOws .

Fig. 1.

Pre- and postoperative T1-weighted postgadolinium magnetic resonance imaging.

Fig. 2.

Intraoperative images of the surgical field. ( A ) Anatomical landmarks. ( B ) The cavernous sinus after tumor removal. CS, cavernous sinus; LOCR, lateral opticocarotid recess; ON, optic nerve.

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