Feasibility and value of preoperative embolization of a congenital choroid plexus tumour in the premature infant: An illustrative case report with technical details

Abstract

We present a case of a preterm boy (born at 35 weeks of pregnancy) who was delivered urgently by a caesarean section due to placental abruption. The baby was found to have a tense fontanelle leading to imaging that showed a 5.5 cm right intraventricular mass centred in the atrium, hydrocephalus and extensive surrounding vasogenic oedema. The mass was avidly enhancing with a few large associated vessels suggesting high vascularity. The condition of the baby was acutely deteriorating. He had multiple seizures followed by persistent low level of consciousness in the third day of life. His clinical decline prompted decision to proceed with surgical resection and preoperative embolization. A large single feeder (the right posterolateral choroidal artery) was embolized leading to near complete obliteration of the tumour blush. Embolization likely facilitated subsequent surgery the next day. This is based on an estimated blood loss of 250 ml in this 3 kg baby without haemodynamic instability. Gross total resection was achieved with a single surgery and the diagnosis was choroid plexus papilloma. Utilization of this combined approach in this preterm baby had led to survival in this potentially curable disease.