Extra-axial cavernous malformation of the cerebellopontine angle: illustrative case

Authors

Ashia M. Hackett, Department of Neurosurgery, Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona.
Christopher O. Adereti, Department of Neurosurgery, Lahey Hospital and Medical Center, Burlington, Massachusetts.
Essam S. Hashem, Ross University School of Medicine, Miramar, Florida.
Lea Scherschinski, Department of Neurosurgery, Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona.
Elsa Nico, Department of Neurosurgery, Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona.
Adam T. Eberle, Department of Neurosurgery, Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona.
Joelle N. Hartke, Department of Neurosurgery, Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona.
Brandon M. Fox, Department of Neurosurgery, Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona.
Ethan A. Winkler, Department of Neurosurgery, Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona.
Joshua S. Catapano, Department of Neurosurgery, Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona.
Michael T. Lawton, Department of Neurosurgery, Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona.

Document Type

Article

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Extra-axial cavernous malformations (CMs) in the cerebellopontine angle (CPA) are rare, typically affect cranial nerves (CNs), and present significant therapeutic challenges. This report discusses the case of a patient with an extra-axial CM in the CPA involving the CN VII/VIII complex, alongside a systematic review of similar cases. OBSERVATIONS: A literature search of the PubMed and Embase databases identified 216 articles, with 18 meeting the inclusion criteria, encompassing 21 cases (average age 42.6 years). The most common symptoms were hearing loss (86%), facial palsy (43%), and facial numbness (33%). After surgery, hearing improved in 26% of patients and facial palsy improved in 37%. Overall, 32% of patients experienced postoperative improvement. One death was reported. LESSONS: These lesions can cause significant symptoms, often leading to unfavorable clinical outcomes despite surgical intervention. Gross-total resection with CN preservation is the goal, but more data with earlier intervention and longer follow-up are needed to refine treatment strategies. https://thejns.org/doi/10.3171/CASE24528.

Publication Date

3-17-2025

Publication Title

Journal of neurosurgery. Case lessons

E-ISSN

2694-1902

Volume

9

Issue

11

PubMed ID

40096738

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.3171/CASE24528

Recommended Citation

Hackett, Ashia M.; Adereti, Christopher O.; Hashem, Essam S.; Scherschinski, Lea; Nico, Elsa; Eberle, Adam T.; Hartke, Joelle N.; Fox, Brandon M.; Winkler, Ethan A.; Catapano, Joshua S.; and Lawton, Michael T., "Extra-axial cavernous malformation of the cerebellopontine angle: illustrative case" (2025). Neurosurgery. 2263.
https://scholar.barrowneuro.org/neurosurgery/2263