Turkish Neurosurgery
2013 , Vol 23 , Num 4
Craniovertebral Junction Melanocytoma: A Case Report
Christian Medical College, Department of Neurosurgery, Ludhiana, India
DOI :
10.5137/1019-5149.JTN.5272-11.0
Melanocytomas are rare melanocytic tumors of the central nervous system and its presence at the foramen magnum is extremely rare. We report
a case of a 55-year-old male presenting with progressive quadriparesis over one year. Imaging showed a well-defined intradural extramedullary
lobulated mass at craniovertebral junction towards the left side and extending to left C2-3 neural foramina. Patient was operated through
foramen magnum approach with near total excision of tumor. On a ten-month follow up, he was ambulatory with normal motor power on
right side of body and left lower limb and with motor power of 4-/5 in left upper limb. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry confirmed
the lesion to be a melanocytoma.
Keywords :
Melanocytoma, Foramen magnum, Craniovertebral junction