Data Management And Sharing System of China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases

Surgical Management and Functional Outcomes of Cavernous Malformations Involving the Medulla Oblongata

First author:Xie Ming-Guo, Ming-Guo

Corresponding author:Zhang Li-Wei, Li-Wei

Brainstem Cavernoma Cavernous malformations Medull

essential_information

2018-11-01

Published articles

Journal:World Neurosurgery

Publication type: Article

IF(IF): 2.104

PMID: 30077748 Link To Pubmed Full text Download

Background And Purpose

Method

The charts of 69 patients undergoing surgical treatment of CMs in the medulla oblongata, pontomedullary, and cervicomedullary junctions between 2011 and 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Patient demographics, lesion characteristics, operative documents, and patient outcomes were examined.

Conclusion

Respiratory dysfunction and deficits of cough reflexes can commonly occur during the early postoperative period for surgical resection of CMs involving the medulla oblongata. Favorable functional outcomes can be achieved by surgery, especially for younger patients who experience fewer hemorrhages and have lesions with perilesional edema and the absence of developmental venous anomalies.

Main results

Of the 69 patients, the male-to-female ratio was 1.3. The mean patient age was 32.6 years, and the mean mRS score was 2.7 on admission. Postoperatively, 21 patients (30.4%) had deficits of cough reflexes, and 6 patients (8.7%) experienced respiratory rhythm disorder and dyspnea. The mean follow-up duration was 35.3 months. At the last follow-up evaluation, the mean mRS score was 1.8, and 53 patients (80.3%) had favorable outcomes, with mRS scores ≤2. The conditions of the patients improved in 45 cases (68.2%), remained unchanged in 11 cases (16.7%), and worsened in 10 cases (15.1%) relative to their preoperative baseline. The independent adverse factors for long-term functional outcome were increased age, multiple hemorrhages, presence of developmental venous anomalies, and lack of perilesional edema.