Percutaneous Foramen Ovale Puncture: Usefulness of Intraoperative CT Control, in the Eventuality of a Narrow Foramen

Abstract

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Balloon compression of the gasserian ganglion has been a well-established percutaneous treatment of trigeminal neuralgia since the 1980s. However, puncture of the foramen ovale by conventional single-plane fluoroscopy can be difficult in cases of local anatomic abnormalities. <b><i>Case Presentation:</i></b> We present the case of a 49-year-old woman diagnosed with idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia refractory to pharmacological treatment. After failure of puncture by conventional fluoroscopy for percutaneous gasserian ganglion balloon compression due to a narrow foramen ovale, the patient was submitted to puncture guided by computed tomography. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Alternative imaging methods, such as computed tomography, should be considered when puncture of the foramen ovale by conventional single-plane fluoroscopy fails, to minimize the risk of potential complications triggered by frustrated puncture attempts.