Long-term local disease control in a recurrent soft-tissue sarcoma of the thigh treated by radiofrequency ablation.

In 2008, we performed radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in an elderly patient with a large recurrent soft-tissue sarcoma of the thigh, previously treated with surgery and radiotherapy. After ablation, a marked shrinkage of tumor was obtained. Further local recurrences occurred during follow-up, all safely treated by RFA, with local control of the disease maintained until 6-year follow-up.

Cavernous malformations isolated from cranial nerves: Unexpected diagnosis?

Objectives: Cranial nerves (CN) cavernous malformations (CMs) are lesions that are isolated from the CNs. The authors present three cases of CN CMs, for which MR was demonstrated to be critical for management, and surgical resection produced good outcomes for the patients. Surgical removal is the recommended course of action to restore or preserve neurological function and to eliminate the risk of future haemorrhage.

Giant frontal intraparenchymal schwannoma: unexpected diagnosis.

We report the case of an intraparenchymal frontal schwannoma, surgically resected in a middle-aged, otherwise healthy woman. Magnetic resonance imaging was ineffective for the definitive diagnosis and was instead afforded by histology. This case is unique because the rare lesion presented as a giant mass; to the best of our knowledge, such a finding has not been previously reported.

Post-traumatic peripheral facial nerve palsy: surgical and neuroradiological consideration in five cases of delayed onset.

The facial nerve is frequently injured after head trauma with or without temporal bone fractures. Computed tomography (CT) is the best procedure for detecting the fracture line at the level of the facial nerve canal and for assessing any associated lesions within the temporal bone. Magnetic resonance (MR) is required if there is a facial nerve paralysis, unexplained by CT findings.