III cranial nerve cavernous malformation: A case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Background: Cavernous malformations generally occur in brain parenchyma but rarely these lesions arise from cranial nerves (CNs).

Case description: This paper described a case of a woman presented with III CN dysfunction due to the presence of a right III CN cavernoma. Surgical treatment with nerve sparing gross total resection was performed. A 3-month follow-up was documented.

Conclusion: Only few cases of CNs cavernomas have been described in the literature. These lesions have been described to show a more aggressive behavior compared to intraparenchymal cavernomas, especially in symptomatic patients. Differential diagnosis and surgical treatment could be challenging, especially trying to preserve nerve integrity and function.

Keywords: Cavernoma; Cranial nerve; Gross total resection; Nerve sparing; Third nerve palsy.