Neurological Changes after Surgical Intervention for Intrinsic Cavernous Anigoma

We report neurological changes and circulatory and pulmonary symptoms after surgical intervention in cases of brainstem cavernous angioma. Eight patients who underwent surgical intervention for brainstem cavernous angiomas were retrospectively reviewed. Two of 4 patients who underwent total removal of the mass showed marked resolution of the preoperative signs including IX nerve palsy, MLF syndrome, cerebellar sign and homonymous hemianopsia, and two patients who underwent partial removal of the lesions had permanent neurological deficits. Inadequate excision results in not only recurrence of hemorrhage, but also postoperative neurological deterioration. Bradycardia can occur during the surgical intervention, and careful monitoring is mandatory for a couple of days after operation to detect circulatory and pulmonary failure such as atrial flutter.