MRI and CT Guided Cryoablation for Intracranial Extension of Malignancies along the Trigeminal Nerve

J Neurol Surg B Skull Base. 2020 Oct;81(5):511-514. doi: 10.1055/s-0039-1692640. Epub 2019 Jun 12.

Abstract

Objectives To describe the technical aspects and early clinical outcomes of patients undergoing percutaneous magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-guided tumor cryoablation along the intracranial trigeminal nerve. Design This study is a retrospective case review. Setting Large academic tertiary care hospital. Participants Patients who underwent MRI-guided cryoablation of perineural tumor along the intracranial trigeminal nerve. Main Outcome Measures Technical success, pain relief, local control. Results Percutaneous MRI-guided cryoablation of tumor spread along the intracranial portion of the trigeminal nerve was performed in two patients without complication, with subsequent pain relief, and with local control in the patient with follow-up imaging. Conclusions Percutaneous MRI-guided cryoablation is a feasible treatment option for malignancies tracking intracranially along the trigeminal nerve.

Keywords: cryoablation; foramen ovale; skull base; trigeminal nerve.