Endoscopic resection of a giant intradural retroclival ecchordosis physaliphora: Surgical technique and literature review

Abstract

Objective To report the first complete resection of a giant ecchordosis physaliphora using an endoscopic transclival approach and to provide a current review of the literature. Methods This rare benign lesion, originating from embryonic notochordal remnants, was located in the prepontine cistern of a 63-year-old man presenting with progressive tremor and imbalance. Preoperative imaging demonstrated a 2.1-cm intradural lesion abutting the pons and basilar artery and extending through the dura mater. Results A gross total resection was successfully achieved endoscopically without neurovascular compromise or additional complications. Postoperative histopathologic examination was consistent with a diagnosis of giant ecchordosis physaliphora. Conclusions An endoscopic endonasal transclival approach provided a direct, minimally invasive route for safe and complete resection of this rare prepontine tumor, as it has for similarly located skull base chordomas. Our experience highlights the utility of endoscopy in visualization of both pathologic entities and nearby critical neurovascular structures in the management of ecchordosis physaliphora and other cranial base neoplasms.