Skull Base 2002; 12(2): 067-072
DOI: 10.1055/s-2002-31568
CASE REPORT

Copyright © 2002 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA. Tel.: +1(212) 584-4662

Pseudobulbar Palsy Caused by a Large Petroclival Meningioma: Report of Two Cases

William E. McCormick, Joung H. Lee
  • Department of Neurosurgery, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
18 May 2004 (online)

ABSTRACT

Two patients sought treatment for symptoms of bulbar motor dysfunction and the marked emotional lability that characterizes pseudobulbar palsy (PBP). Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging showed large petroclival masses with severe compression and displacement of the brainstem. A suboccipital craniectomy with a transpetrosal, transtentorial approach to the tumor was performed in both patients. One patient required a second-stage surgery to resect an extension of the tumor into the cavernous sinus. In both patients pathological evaluation confirmed the diagnosis of syncytial meningioma. After surgery, PBP resolved in both patients. Large posterior fossa tumors should be included in the differential diagnosis of patients with a clinical picture of bulbar motor dysfunction coupled with emotional lability.

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