Transsphenoidal Removal of Retroclival Chondroma with Pituitary Transposition Manifesting as Repeated Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Case Report

Abstract

Background Intracranial chondromas are extremely rare and represent only 0.2% of all intracranial primary neoplasms. The histologic appearance lacks nuclear atypism and mitoses, and it usually shows low growth potential, although these benign features do not necessarily imply a good prognosis.

Case Description A 44-year-old man was referred to our institution with a subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). He had a history of SAH 5 years previously that was diagnosed as unknown etiology at another hospital. Head magnetic resonance imaging showed a large tumor located in the prepontine cistern and extending up to the interpeduncular cistern, and the tumor was irregularly enhanced with contrast medium. Retrospective analysis of the original computed tomography of 5 years earlier identified a small contrast enhancing defect behind the dorsum sellae. Tumor removal was planned to prevent repeated SAH and control the apparently growing tumor. An extended transsphenoidal approach was performed. The pituitary gland was dissected from the bottom of the sellar floor and transposed forward to the prechiasmatic cistern with preservation of the pituitary stalk and its blood supply, and subtotal removal of the tumor was achieved. Postoperative diabetes insipidus disappeared within a few days, and the patient was discharged without neurologic or endocrinologic deficits. Histologic examination established the diagnosis as chondroma without a sarcomatous component. Follow-up examination 3 months after surgery showed a re-enlargement of the residual tumor, and gamma knife surgery was performed.

Conclusions Intracranial chondroma sometimes manifests as intracranial hemorrhage and grows comparatively rapidly in a short period despite the benign histologic features. A long and careful follow-up period is essential.

Keywords

chondroma - extended transsphenoidal approach - pituitary transposition - subarachnoid hemorrhage

Consent to Participate and Publish

The surgical policy was explained preoperatively to the patient and written informed consents were obtained. Overall study design was approved by the Ethical Committee of Kohnan Hospital in 2015. Written informed consent was obtained from the patient for publication of this case report and accompanying images.

Author's Contributions

YO was a major contributor in writing the manuscript, performed tumor removal and analyzed the patient data regarding the endocrinological outcome. KN gave me technical advices in writing this manuscript. TT thoroughly supervised this manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

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