Teflon Granuloma With Active Inflammation: A Cause of Recurrent Trigeminal Neuralgia After Microvascular Decompression: Imaging and Pathological Correlation

Clin Nucl Med. 2024 Dec 1;49(12):1105-1108. doi: 10.1097/RLU.0000000000005444. Epub 2024 Oct 15.

Abstract

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is characterized by excruciating facial pain usually caused by neurovascular compression of the trigeminal nerve roots. TN can be treated medically or invasively. Microvascular decompression is the procedure of choice and usually results in complete symptom relief. During surgical decompression, Teflon can be placed between the offending vessel and the nerve root entry zone. In some cases, chronic Teflon-related inflammation can cause recurrent TN, which might lead to additional surgical intervention. We present imaging and histopathological correlation of a patient presenting with intractable recurrent TN approximately 2 years after microvascular decompression with Teflon implant.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Female
  • Granuloma* / diagnostic imaging
  • Humans
  • Inflammation* / diagnostic imaging
  • Male
  • Microvascular Decompression Surgery* / adverse effects
  • Middle Aged
  • Polytetrafluoroethylene* / adverse effects
  • Recurrence*
  • Trigeminal Neuralgia* / diagnostic imaging
  • Trigeminal Neuralgia* / surgery

Substances

  • Polytetrafluoroethylene