Category: Outcome

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Cavernous Malformations of the Brainstem Presenting in Childhood: Surgical Experience in 40 Patients

Neurosurgery 67:1589–1599, 2010 DOI: 10.1227/NEU.0b013e3181f8d1b2

Brainstem cavernous malformations (BSCMs) are believed to compose 9% to 35% of all cerebral cavernous malformations, but these lesions have been reported in children in very limited numbers.

OBJECTIVE: To review surgical outcomes of pediatric patients with BSCMs treated at 1 institution.

METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the course of 40 pediatric patients (19 males, 21 females; age range, 10 months to 18.9 years; mean, 12.3 years) who underwent surgery between 1984 and 2009. Age, sex, presenting symptoms, location of lesion, surgical approach, new postoperative deficits, Glasgow Outcome Scale score, recurrences, and resolution of baseline symptoms were recorded.

RESULTS: Thirty-nine patients experienced hemorrhage before surgery. Lesion locations included the pons (n = 22), midbrain (n = 4), midbrain and thalamus (n = 4), pontomesencephalic junction (n = 3), medulla (n = 3), pontomedullary junction (n = 3), and cervicomedullary junction (n = 1). Mean lesion size was 2.3 cm. Mean length of hospital stay was 10.7 days. The average clinical follow-up was 31.9 months in 36 patients with follow-up after discharge. At last follow-up, 5 patients had experienced symptoms and/ or imaging consistent with rehemorrhage, either from a residual that enlarged or true recurrence (5.25% annual rebleed risk per patient after surgery); 2 required reoperation for further resection of cavernoma. Mean Glasgow Outcome Scale score was 4.2 on admission, 4.05 at discharge, and 4.5 at latest follow-up. Preoperative symptoms and deficits improved in 16 patients (40%). New neurological deficits developed in 19 patients (48%) and resolved in 9, leaving 10 patients (25%) with new permanent deficit.

CONCLUSION: Compared with adults, pediatric patients with BCSMs tend to have larger lesions and higher rates of recurrence (regrowth of residual lesion). Given the greater life expectancy of children, surgical treatment seems warranted in those with surgically accessible lesions that have bled. Outcomes were similar to those in our adult series of patients with BSCMs.

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Long-term Outcome After Resection of Intraspinal Ependymomas: Report of 86 Consecutive Cases

Neurosurgery 67:1622–1631, 2010 DOI: 10.1227/NEU.0b013e3181f96d41

Objective: To evaluate progression-free survival, overall survival (OS) and long-term clinical outcome in a consecutive series of 86 patients with intraspinal ependymomas.

METHODS: Medical charts were retrospectively reviewed. Surviving patients voluntarily participated in a clinical history and physical examination that focused on neurological function and current tumor status.

RESULTS: Follow-up data are nearly 100% complete; mean follow-up time was 82 months. Eighty-five patients (99%) had surgery as a first-line treatment; 14 (17%) of these patients received adjuvant radiotherapy. Of the 85 patients who underwent primary surgery, gross total resection was performed in 60 patients (71%) and subtotal resection in 25 patients (29%). Ten-year progression-free survival rate was 75%; 5-year OS, 97%; and 10-year OS, 91%. Reduced preoperative neurological function and older age at diagnosis were significantly associated with increased risk of death. At follow-up, spontaneous regression of residual tumor after primary surgery may have occurred in 7 of 19 patients (37%). More than 75% of patients had neurological function compatible with an independent life at follow-up. Good preoperative neurological function was significantly associated with favorable outcome. It was not possible to evaluate the effect of radiotherapy on progression-free survival and OS.

CONCLUSION: Gross total resection remains the optimal treatment for patients with spinal ependymoma. Patients should be monitored with a clinical examination and magnetic resonance imaging at regular intervals up to 10 years after surgery.

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Partially thrombosed intracranial aneurysms: symptoms, evolution, and therapeutic management

Acta Neurochir (2010) 152:2133–2142. DOI 10.1007/s00701-010-0772-9

Partially thrombosed intracranial aneurysms (PTIAs) are different from saccular or nonthrombosed giant or large aneurysms, as they are characterized by multiple intramural thrombotic phenomena related to recurrent vessel wall dissections.

Methods We retrospectively reviewed clinical and radiological files of 23 consecutive patients with PTIAs (mean age 49.3 years). Twenty-two lesions were studied by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Patients were managed by endovascular treatments, medically with steroids, or conservatively.

Results Thirteen patients presented with progressive neurological symptoms. Subarachnoid hemorrhage was suspected but not proven in three. At MRI, 90.9% of PTIAs caused mass effect; perilesional T2 hypersignal compatible with edema was evident in 13.6%. Aneurysmal wall enhancement was detectable in 63.2% of the PTIAs and considered a marker of inflammatory processes. Parent artery occlusion was performed in seven patients with clinical improvement in six. Selective coiling was proposed in three patients (one improved, one remained stable, and one experienced symptoms progression). Three patients were treated with steroids and improved. Ten patients were managed conservatively: eight because spontaneous thrombosis of the lesion had been diagnosed and two because of clinical and radiological stability.

Conclusions The natural history of PTIAs is different from other aneurysms. They most commonly present with progressive neurological symptoms due to mass effect. MRI properly diagnoses PTIAs and allows precise followup, more accurately than angiography because it detects prominent “abluminal” features indicating inflammation and neovascularization. Spontaneous thrombosis is part of the natural history of PTIAs and it should be taken in consideration when discussing the therapeutic management.

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Surgical treatment of trigeminal neuralgia. Results from the use of glycerol injection, microvascular decompression, and rhizotomia

Acta Neurochir (2010) 152:2125–2132. DOI 10.1007/s00701-010-0840-1

The study aims to assess the efficacy and safety of surgical treatment of trigeminal neuralgia (TN) in our department and to identify prognostic factors.

Methods Seventy patients receiving surgical treatment for TN during the period 2003–2004 were included in this retrospective study. The surgical procedures used were glycerol injection (GI), microvascular decompression (MVD), or rhizotomia (RIZ). All patients were divided into spontaneous onset TN type1 (brief lancinating pain) or TN type 2 (continuous pain component). Two patients had bilateral TN; each side was regarded as a separate case. These 70 patients had a total of 160 interventions (110 GI, 40 MVD, and ten RIZ) performed in the period 1998–2007. Data were obtained by chart review and telephone interview. Patients provided information about pre- and postoperative pain characteristics including subtype, duration, intensity, and the use of antiepileptic drugs. Outcome was evaluated using a pain vector diagram.

Results To quantify self-reported pain, we developed a new vector-based pain diagram. The subtype of TN was shown to be a very important prognostic factor. One year after MVD, 90% of patients with type 1 TN still had positive effect, whereas this was only true in 73% of patients with type 2 TN. After RIZ, the results were 71% and 33% for types 1 and 2, respectively. For comparison, GI had a significant lower effect but if the treatment led to hypoesthesia, 41% continued to have a positive effect 1 year after surgery, compared to only 24% if postoperative sensation was normal. Type 2 TN was found to be dominated by women with left-sided TN outside the V2 dermatome and with a lower probability of a neurovascular conflict. As expected, 1/5 of the cases developed postoperative hypoesthesia in the face following a nerve destructive procedure (RIZ and GI). Using MVD, the risk of serious side effects was about 4%. Complementary and alternative treatment had no general or permanent effect in the investigated population—quite the contrary.

Conclusions Regarding prognosis and outcome, we find that it is very important to classify TN in subgroups (types 1 and 2). Dealing with medically treatment-resistant type 1 TN, MVD and RIZ are reasonably safe and effective interventions. The surgical results dealing with type 2 TN are still very poor. All patients with medically treatmentresistant TN should be offered referral to a neurosurgical unit with experience in treating this painful disease. We recommend using a vector-based pain diagram when evaluating the outcome of multiple interventions.

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A Critical Evaluation of Vestibular Schwannoma Surgery for Patients Younger Than 40 Years of Age

Neurosurgery 67:1646–1654, 2010 DOI: 10.1227/NEU.0b013e3181f8d3d3

There are few published prospective data sets specifically focusing on patients younger than 40 years old undergoing microsurgery for vestibular schwannoma.

OBJECTIVE: We describe functional outcomes and long-term tumor control after surgery in patients younger than 40 years old enrolled in a prospectively collected database over a 25-year period.

METHODS: We selected all vestibular schwannoma patients from a prospectively collected database who were younger than 40 years old at the time of surgical resection for a vestibular schwannoma. Rates of tumor control and hearing preservation were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier analysis, and risk factors for facial nerve palsy, hearing loss, and trigeminal neuropathy were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression.

RESULTS: A total of 204 patients younger than 40 years of age met our inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. Our data indicate that surgical resection leads to durable long-term freedom from tumor recurrence or progression in 89% of young patients at 15 years of follow-up. Consistent with other published series, hearing was preserved in 68% of patients with smaller tumors (,3 cm). Facial nerve function was preserved in 76% of patients with smaller tumors and 52% of patients with larger tumors (P , .001). On multivariate logistic regression, tumor size was a significant predictor of hearing loss, whereas gross total resection was nearly a significant predictor of hearing loss controlling for other variables (P = .06).

CONCLUSION: We present the largest prospectively studied cohort of young patients undergoing microsurgical resection of vestibular schwannoma. These data suggest that surgical resection provides excellent long-term tumor control in these patients

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Prediction of neurological deficits and recovery after surgery in the supplementary motor area: a prospective study in 26 patients

J Neurosurg 113:1152–1163, 2010.(DOI: 10.3171/2010.6.JNS1090)

Resection of lesions involving the supplementary motor area (SMA) may result in immediate postoperative motor and speech deficits that are reversible in most cases. In the present study the authors aimed to determine the critical involvement of SMA in the lesioned and healthy hemispheres in this functional recovery. They hypothesized that compensatory mechanisms take place following surgery in the SMA, and that these mechanisms can involve either the lesioned or the non-lesioned hemisphere. In addition, they hypothesized that a correlation will be present between the functional MR imaging (fMR) imaging–related activation in the SMA and the occurrence of a functional deficit during intraoperative cortical stimulation.

Methods. Twenty-six patients scheduled for resection of space-occupying lesions involving, or in the vicinity of, the SMA were recruited. Patients underwent an fMR imaging examination that included finger-tapping and verbgeneration tests to assess for motor and language functions. Intraoperatively direct cortical stimulation (DCS) of the SMA region was performed while patients were monitored for language and motor functions using tests similar to those used for the fMR imaging. Task dysfunction during DCS assessed the critical involvement of the SMA in the tested functions. Neurological evaluations were performed prior to surgery and at 3 time points within a month following surgery. A region of interest–based approach was used to evaluate fMR imaging blood oxygen level–dependent activation level and asymmetry in the SMA. These measurements were later compared with the intraoperative DCS and neurological findings.

Results. Functional MR imaging showed greater activation and dominance of the SMA in the lesioned hemisphere in patients who exhibited no motor or language dysfunction during DCS. In addition, patients with the highest activation of the SMA in the lesioned hemisphere for language and motor tests showed stronger coupling of this region with ipsilateral motor and language networks. In contrast, activation in the nonlesioned hemisphere did not correspond with DCS results.

Conclusions. The authors’ findings demonstrate the necessity of activation in the vicinity of the lesioned SMA for functional compensation in motor and language tasks. It is possible that more effective functional coupling of the SMA with motor and language areas in the same hemisphere prevents dysfunctions following surgical intervention. Importantly, fMR imaging activation in the unaffected SMA was not sufficient for development of functional compensation and, if anything, indicated decompensation.

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Morbidity of Transcallosal and Transcortical Approaches to Lesions in and Around the Lateral and Third Ventricles: A Single-Institution Experience

Neurosurgery 67:1483–1496, 2010 DOI: 10.1227/NEU.0b013e3181f7eb68

Resection of an intraventricular mass can result in life-altering complications. Many advocate transcallosal rather than transcortical approaches to these lesions, citing differential postoperative seizure risk.

OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that the complication rates and patient outcomes are no different between these ventricular approaches.

METHODS: The medical records of 127 patients (93 adults and 34 children) operated on for intraventricular lesions between 1996 and 2007 were retrospectively analyzed. Risk factors for specific postoperative complications and outcome were assessed by multivariate analysis.

RESULTS: The transcallosal (59%) or transcortical (41%) approach was used. Gross or nearly total resection was achieved in 87% of cases. The permanent neurological complication rate determined by a staff neurologist was 23.6%. Seizure attributable to surgery occurred after 8% of transcortical and 25% of transcallosal operations (P = .01). After controlling for a variety of factors, the transcallosal approach carried a 4.4-fold increased risk of seizure (95% confidence interval, 1.3-18.9). The operative approach was not a risk factor for any other postoperative complication. One year after surgery, 72% of patients had excellent functional outcome (Karnofsky Performance Score $ 70 and Glasgow Outcome Score = 5). High tumor grade and impaired preoperative Karnofsky Performance Score predicted poor outcome. More than 90% of patients operated on for symptomatic colloid cysts (n = 34) had an excellent outcome.

CONCLUSION: Although the 2 traditional approaches to the ventricular system had similar major complication rates, the transcallosal approach was associated with significantly increased seizure risk. Accordingly, the chosen operative corridor should optimize tumor access and the protection of vulnerable neurovascular structures.

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Factors affecting outcome following treatment of patients with cavernous sinus meningiomas

J Neurosurg 113:1087–1092, 2010. (DOI: 10.3171/2010.3.JNS091807)

Although there is a considerable volume of literature available on the treatment of patients with cavernous sinus meningiomas (CSMs), most of the data regarding tumor control and survival come from case studies or single-institution series. The authors performed a meta-analysis of reported tumor control and survival rates of patients described in the published literature, with an emphasis on specific prognostic factors.

Methods. The authors systematically analyzed the published literature and found more than 3000 patients treated for CSMs. Separate meta-analyses were performed to calculate pooled rates of recurrence and cranial neuropathy after 1) gross-total resection, 2) subtotal resection without adjuvant postoperative radiotherapy or radiosurgery, and 3) stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) alone. Results were expressed as pooled proportions, and random-effects models were used to incorporate any heterogeneity present to generate a pooled proportion. Individual studies were weighted using the inverse variance method, and 95% CIs for each group were calculated from the pooled proportions.

Results. A total of 2065 nonduplicated patients treated for CSM met inclusion criteria for the analysis. Comparisons of the 95% CIs for recurrence of these 3 cohorts revealed that SRS-treated patients experienced improved rates of recurrence (3.2% [95% CI 1.9–4.5%]) compared with either gross-total resection (11.8% [95% CI 7.4–16.1%]) or subtotal resection alone (11.1% [95% CI 6.6–15.7%]) (p < 0.01). The authors found that the pooled mixed-effects rate of cranial neuropathy was markedly higher in patients undergoing resection (59.6% [95% CI 50.3–67.5%]) than for those undergoing SRS alone (25.7% [95% CI 11.5–38.9%]) (p < 0.05).

Conclusions. Radiosurgery provided improved rates of tumor control compared with surgery alone, regardless of the subjective extent of resection.

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Treatment decision making based on the published natural history and growth rate of small meningiomas

J Neurosurg 113:1036–1042, 2010, DOI: 10.3171/2010.3.JNS091966

Definitive data allowing clinicians to predict which meningioma patients will fail to respond to conservative management are lacking. To address this need, the authors systematically reviewed the published literature regarding the natural history of small, untreated meningiomas.

Methods. The authors performed a systematic review of the existing literature on untreated meningiomas that were followed with serial MR imaging. They summarize the published linear rates of tumor growth, and the risk factors for development of new or worsened symptoms during follow-up by using a stratified chi-square test.

Results. The search methods identified 22 published studies reporting on 675 patients with untreated meningiomas followed by serial MR imaging. Linear growth rates varied significantly: no growth was the most common rate, although reports of more aggressive tumors noted growth rates of up to a 93% linear increase in size per year. The authors found that few patients with initial tumor diameters < 2 cm went on to develop new or worsened symptoms over a median follow-up period of 4.6 years. Patients with initial tumor diameters of 2–2.5 cm demonstrated a marked difference in the rate of symptom progression if their tumors grew > 10% per year, compared with those tumors growing ≤ 10% per year (42% vs 0%; p < 0.001, chi-square test). Patients with tumors between > 2.5 and 3 cm in initial size went on to develop new or worsened symptoms 17% of the time.

Conclusions. This systematic review of the literature regarding the clinical behavior of untreated meningiomas suggests that most meningiomas ≤ 2.5 cm in diameter do not proceed to cause symptoms in the approximately 5-year period following their discovery. Those that do cause symptoms can usually be predicted with close radiographic follow-up. Based on these findings, the authors suggest the importance of observation in the early course of treatment for small asymptomatic meningiomas, especially those with an initial diameter < 2 cm.

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What happens to Modic changes following lumbar discectomy?

J Neurosurg Spine 13:562–567, 2010. DOI: 10.3171/2010.5.SPINE09818

The natural history of Modic changes (MCs) in the lumbar spine is often marked by conversion from one type to another, but their course following lumbar discectomy remains unknown. The authors sought to study the impact of surgery on the natural history of these lesions.

Methods. Forty-one patients treated with lumbar microdiscectomy between 2004 and 2005 were enrolled in this study and underwent clinical evaluation and repeat MR imaging after a median follow-up of 41 months (range 32–59 months). Preoperative and follow-up MR images were reviewed and the type, location, and extent of MCs at the operated level were recorded and compared.

Results. The study population consisted of 27 men and 14 women with a mean age of 54 years (range 24–78 years). During the follow-up period, the prevalence of MCs increased from 46.3% to 78%, and 26 patients (63.4%) had Type 2 lesions at the operated level. Of the 22 patients without MCs, 4 (18.2%) converted to Type 1 and 9 (40.9%) to Type 2. Of the 5 Type 1 lesions, 3 (60%) converted to Type 2, and 2 (40%) remained Type 1 but increased in size. In contrast, none of the 14 Type 2 changes converted to another type, although 10 (71.4%) increased in extent. There were no reverse conversions to Type 0.

Conclusions. Following lumbar discectomy, most patients develop Type 2 changes at the operated level, possibly as a result of accelerated degeneration in the operated disc. Neither the preoperative presence of MCs nor their postoperative course appears to affect the clinical outcome.

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Trigeminal schwannomas: experience with 57 cases and a review of the literature

Neurosurg Rev. DOI 10.1007/s10143-010-0289-y

Trigeminal schwannoma is a mostly benign tumor that can be cured by complete resection. Over the last few decades, several pioneers have developed surgical approaches enabling the total removal of such tumors.

We analyzed 57 patients who underwent radical surgery, including 45 patients who underwent skull base surgery as their initial treatment, for removal of trigeminal schwannomas. Here, we report the surgical management of these cases. Since 1990, all such patients have been treated using three main types of middle fossa skull base approaches, which minimize the exposure of the brain: the anterior transpetrosal approach, subtemporal interdural approach (Dolenc), or a combination of these approaches.

Before 1990, total tumor removal was achieved in only three of eight patients (38%). After 1990, the tumors were totally removed in 43 patients (90%) and were nearly completely removed in an additional three patients (6%). Among the patients who underwent skull base surgery as their initial treatment, a complete resection was achieved in 93% (42/45 patients) of the cases. However, total surgical removal after surgery and Gamma knife surgery was very difficult because of dense adhesions to the brain stem and cranial nerves. No surgery-related mortalities occurred in this series, and the individual KPS scores were more than 90% among the patients who underwent skull base surgery. No recurrences requiring additional surgery have occurred after an average follow-up period of 4.9 years.

Most of the trigeminal schwannomas could be removed totally and safely during a single operation after the introduction of skull base surgery. Therefore, radiosurgery should not be applied as the treatment of first choice for younger patients. A correct anatomical knowledge is critical for minimizing brain exposure and avoiding surgical complications.

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Treatment of Giant Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformation: Hypofractionated Stereotactic Radiation as the First Stage

Neurosurgery 67:1253–1259, 2010 DOI: 10.1227/NEU.0b013e3181efbaef

Treatment of giant cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) remains a challenge.

OBJECTIVE: To propose hypofractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (HSRT) as a part of staged treatment, and evaluate its effect by analyzing AVM volume changes.

METHODS: From 2001 to 2007, 20 AVMs larger than 5 cm were treated by HSRT and followed up using magnetic resonance imaging. Patients’ median age was 34 years (8–61 years). Eleven patients presented with hemorrhage and 9 with seizure. Ten patients had previous embolization and radiosurgery had failed in 4. Thirteen AVMs (65%) were classified as Spetzler-Martin grade V and 7 as grade IV. Median pretreatment volume was 46.84 cm3 (12.51-155.38 cm3). Dose was 25 to 30 Gy in 5 to 6 daily fractions. Median follow-up was 32 months.

RESULTS: Median AVM volume decreased to 13.51 cm3 (range, 0.55-147.14 cm3). Residual volume varied from 1.5% to 98%. Volume decreased 44% every year on average. We noted that 6-Gy fractions were more effective (P = .040); embolized AVM tended to respond less (P = .085). After HSRT, we reirradiated 4 AVMs, with 3 amenable to single dose and one with fractions. After HSRT, one patient had an ischemic stroke and one had increased seizure frequency. One AVM bled during follow-up (2.06%/year). No complete obliteration was confirmed.

CONCLUSION: HSRT can turn some giant AVMs manageable for single-dose radiosurgery. Six-Gray fractions were better than 5-Gy and routine embolization seemed unhelpful. There was no increase in bleeding risk with this approach. Future studies with longer follow-up are necessary to confirm our observation.

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Surgical Treatment of Giant Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformations

Neurosurgery 67:1359–1370, 2010 DOI: 10.1227/NEU.0b013e3181eda216

The treatment of giant arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) remains a challenge in the neurosurgical field. Microsurgery is one of the most effective ways for eliminating giant cerebral AVMs.

OBJECTIVE: To review surgical outcomes in treating the disease, and form conclusions regarding the indications for and outcomes of surgical treatment in giant intracranial AVMs.

METHODS: We studied 40 consecutive cases of giant AVMs treated in Beijing Tiantan Hospital between 2000 and 2008. The radiologic and clinical features were analyzed. The Spetzler-Martin grading system was used to classify the patients. All patients were surgically treated, and the final outcomes of the patients were gathered for analysis.

RESULTS: The major presenting symptoms were seizures, headaches, hemorrhage, and neurological deficits. The mean AVM diameter was 6.3 cm. According to the Spetzler- Martin grading system, 5 patients had grade III lesions, 21 had grade IV lesions, and 14 had grade V lesions. Out of the total 40 patients, 31 (77.5%) demonstrated excellent or good outcome. Complications included hemiparalysis, aphasia, hemianopia, cranial nerve dysfunction, and seizures. After follow-up, 27 of 30 (90%) surviving patients presented normal function or minimal symptoms.

CONCLUSION: Presurgical evaluation of every candidate and treatment choice is the determining factor in therapy for giant AVMs. For giant cerebral AVMs located superficially or not involving critical components, a good outcome can be expected through surgical resection. The obliteration and recurrence rates were satisfying, and the complication rate was acceptable.

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Clival chordomas: clinical management, results, and complications in 71 patients

J Neurosurg 113:1059–1071, 2010. DOI: 10.3171/2009.9.JNS08596

Chordomas are rare malignant neoplasms arising predominantly at the sacrum and skull base. They are uniformly lethal unless treated with aggressive resection and proton beam irradiation. The authors present results of the surgical management of a large number of patients with clivus chordomas. Factors that influence the surgeon’s ability to achieve radical tumor resection are also evaluated.

Methods. Between 1991 and 2005, 71 patients with clivus chordomas underwent surgery. The average followup was 66 months (median 60 months, range 3–189 months). Sixty-five patients had complete records that were analyzed in the present report. Thirty-five percent of them had undergone surgery before being treated by the authors. They were evaluated with MR imaging and CT scanning and underwent surgery utilizing a variety of skull base techniques aimed at achieving radical excision. Many also underwent postoperative radiation, usually in the form of proton beam therapy. The patients were followed up with serial imaging at regular intervals as well as with neurological evaluation.

Results. Radical tumor resection was achieved in 58% of the group. The overall 5-year survival rate was 75%. Radical resection had a positive impact on survival. The ability to achieve radical resection was dependent on the preoperative tumor volume and the number of anatomical areas involved by the tumor. Cranial nerve impairment and CSF leakage were the most frequent postoperative complications.

Conclusions. Radical excision is the ideal surgical goal in the treatment of clival chordomas and can be achieved with reasonable risks. Several different surgical approaches may be necessary to accomplish this.

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Neuroendoscopic treatment of arachnoid cysts of the quadrigeminal cistern: a series of 14 cases

J Neurosurg Pediatrics 6:000–000, 2010. DOI: 10.3171/2010.8.PEDS08491

In this paper, the authors’ goal was to evaluate the role of neuroendoscopy in the treatment of arachnoid cysts of the quadrigeminal cistern.

Methods. Between March 1995 and February 2008, 14 patients affected by arachnoid cysts of the quadrigeminal cistern were treated endoscopically. The cysts were classified according to their anatomical and radiological appearance. The most frequent form (Type I) extended infratentorially and supratentorially with a dumbbell shape. Type II cysts were confined to the infratentorial space and were associated with the most severe and acute form of hydrocephalus. Type III cysts presented a significant asymmetric expansion toward the temporal fossa. Ten patients underwent an endoscopic procedure as primary treatment and 4 as an alternative to shunt revision. In 6 cases, the first endoscopic procedure was ventriculocystostomy (VC) together with endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV). In the other 8 cases, the first endoscopic procedure was VC alone.

Results. In the 6 cases in which VC was performed with an ETV, the procedure was successful, and the patients did not require further surgery. Of the 8 cases in which the first endoscopic procedure performed was VC without ETV, 7 underwent reoperation. Four of these patients underwent endoscopic procedures (by reopening the obstructed VC and performing ETV or cystocisternostomy) 2, 4, 4, and 5 months later with final success in all cases. Three patients (all of whom were previously treated using ventriculo- or cystoperitoneal shunts) required shunt reimplantation (complete failure). Subdural collection developed in 1 case, which was managed by transient insertion of a subduroperitoneal shunt. Neurological and developmental outcomes were good except for 1 patient who did not show improvement in preoperative developmental delay. No transient or permanent morbidity or mortality was observed.

Conclusions. The analysis of this series suggests that arachnoid cysts of the quadrigeminal cistern and the associated hydrocephalus can be effectively treated by endoscopy; this approach allows the patient to be shunt independent in more than 78% of the cases. If endoscopy is used as first option, the success rate of endoscopic procedures observed in this series was 90%. Endoscopic third ventriculostomy should be associated with a VC to offer the highest success rate with a single procedure.

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Surgical management of giant pediatric craniopharyngiomas

J Neurosurg Pediatrics 6:000–000, 2010.DOI: 10.3171/2010.8.PEDS09385

Prior work by the authors’ group and reports of other authors suggest worse functional outcomes and decreased survival in children with larger craniopharyngiomas. The purpose of this study was to assess the oncological, endocrinological, and functional outcomes in children who underwent radical resection of giant craniopharyngiomas (defined as 5 cm or greater in largest diameter).

Methods. Between 1986 and 2006, 26 children under the age of 18 (14 boys, 12 girls; mean age 10.5 years) underwent radical resection of giant craniopharyngiomas performed by the senior author. Data were retrospectively collected to assess the outcome of surgical treatment.

Results. Twenty (77%) of 26 patients underwent gross-total resection (GTR) confirmed by intraoperative inspection and postoperative imaging. All primary tumors (17 of 17) and 3 (33%) of 9 recurrent tumors were treated with GTR. There was no operative mortality, and 18 of 26 patients (69%) were alive at a mean follow-up of 8.9 years (median 9.3 years). Disease control was achieved in 21 (84%) of the 25 patients followed up for more than 6 months and was more successful in patients who underwent GTR (95%) than in those who underwent STR (50%, p = 0.03). New-onset diabetes insipidus (DI) occurred in 63.2% of patients (73% of patients had DI postoperatively). New or worsened deficits in visual acuity and visual fields occurred in 16% and 28%, respectively, of the 25 patients for whom postoperative visual data were available. Five patients (19%) experienced significant, permanent neurological deficits, and 5 (19%) had mild to moderate deficits. New or worsened hypothalamic disturbance occurred in 35% and 22% of patients, respectively, but obesity developed in only 15%.

Conclusions. In this retrospective series, radical resection of giant craniopharyngiomas in children was found to lead to excellent rates of disease control with acceptable or good functional outcomes but slightly higher rates of neurological complications compared with rates in patients with smaller tumors. Radical resection is less successful in recurrent tumors that reach very large sizes, especially previously irradiated tumors, with resultant diminished survival.

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Trigeminal neurinomas with extracranial extension: analysis of 28 surgically treated cases

J Neurosurg 113:1079–1084, 2010.DOI: 10.3171/2009.10.JNS091149

The object of this paper was to review the authors’ experience with 28 cases of trigeminal neurinomas having an extracranial extension.

Methods. The authors analyzed 28 cases of trigeminal neurinoma in which there was an extracranial extension of the tumor. All patients were treated in their department between the years 1989 and 2009.

Results. There was tumor extension along the ophthalmic division of the nerve in 4 cases, along the maxillary division in 5, and along the mandibular division in 13. In 6 tumors there was diffuse extracranial extension and the exact extracranial division of nerve involvement could not be ascertained. In 10 cases, the tumor had a multicompartmental location—in the posterior fossa, the middle fossa, and the extracranial compartment. Tingling paraesthesiae, numbness, and diffuse pain in the distribution of the trigeminal nerve were common symptoms and were present in 90% of patients. The extracranial component had a well-defined perineural/meningeal membrane cover that was continuous with the middle fossa dura mater and isolated the tumor tissue from the adjoining critical structures. In 7 out of 10 cases, even the posterior fossa component of the tumor was entirely “interdural” (within the confines of the dura). The maximum dimension of the tumor was > 4 cm in 22 cases. A limited “transcranial” approach with (12 cases) or without (16 cases) zygomatic osteotomy was found suitable for resection of these tumors. In 4 cases a lateral orbitotomy was performed. Total tumor resection was performed in 20 cases and partial resection in 8. The duration of follow-up ranged from 6 months to 19 years. Two patients required additional surgery for symptomatic recurrence.

Conclusions. Extracranial extensions of trigeminal neurinomas have a well-defined meningeal covering. In most cases resection was performed via a minimally invasive cranial avenue (a “reverse skull base approach”). Radical resection was associated with an excellent long-term outcome.

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The clinical significance and optimal timing of postoperative computed tomography following cranial surgery

J Neurosurg 113:1021–1025, 2010. DOI: 10.3171/2009.11.JNS081048

This study was conducted to evaluate the value of postoperative CT scans in determining the probability of return to the operating room (OR) and the optimal time to obtain such scans to determine the effects of surgery.

Methods. Between January and December 2006 (12 months), all postoperative head CT scans obtained for 3 individual surgeons were reviewed. Scans were divided into 3 groups, which were determined by the preference of each surgeon: Group A (early scans—scheduled between 0 and 7 hours); Group B (delayed scans—scheduled between 8 and 24 hours); and Group C (urgent scans—ordered because of a new neurological deficit). The initial scans were reviewed and analyzed in 2 different fashions. The first was to analyze the efficacy of the scans in predicting return to the OR. The second was to determine the optimal time for obtaining a scan. The second analysis was a review of serial postoperative scans for expected versus unexpected findings and changes in the acuity of these findings over time.

Results. In 251 (74%) of 338 cases, the patients had postoperative head CT scans within 24 hours of surgery. Analysis 1 determined the percent of patients returning to the OR for emergency treatment based on postoperative scans: Group A (early)—133 patients, with 0% returning to the OR; Group B (delayed)—108 patients, with 0% returning to the OR; and Group C (urgent)—10 patients, with 30% returning to the OR (p < 0.05). Analysis 2 determined the optimal timing of postoperative scans and changes in scan acuity: Group A (early scan) had an 11% incidence of change in acuity on subsequent scans. Group B (delayed scan) had a 3% incidence of change in acuity on follow-up scans (p < 0.05).

Conclusions. Routine postoperative scans at 0–7 hours or at 8–24 hours are not predictive of return to the OR, whereas patients with a new neurological deficit in the postoperative period have a 30% chance of emergency reoperation based on CT scans. In addition, early postoperative scans (0–7 hours) fail to predict CT changes, which might evolve over time and may influence postoperative medical management.

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Glioblastoma multiforme of the elderly: the prognostic effect of resection on survival

J Neurooncol. DOI 10.1007/s11060-010-0429-9

According to recent developments the best treatment options for glioblastoma (GBM) consist in maximum safe resection and additional adjuvant treatment with radiotherapy (RT) and alkylating chemotherapy (CHX).

These options have been evaluated for populations with a median age of approximately 58 years. We therefore addressed the issue of whether elderly patients ([65years) could also benefit from cytoreductive surgery (CS) and adjuvant treatment using alkylating chemotherapy.

Onehundred and three patients suffering from newly diagnosed, primary supratentorial glioblastoma multiforme[65 years (median 70.8 years) were identified in our single-center glioma database (2002–2007) and retrospectively divided into group A (n = 31) treated with surgery alone (biopsy, BY, n = 21, CS n = 10), group B (n = 37) surgery plus radiation (BY n = 18, CS n = 19), and group C (n = 35) surgery, RT and CHX (BY n = 4, CS n = 31). Progression- free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OAS) were determined in each group and correlated to age, Karnofsky performance score (KPS), and extent of resection (biopsy (BY), partial (PR), and complete resection (CR)). Progression was defined according the Macdonald criteria. For all patients PFS and OAS were 3.2 months and 5.1 months (m) respectively. PFS and OAS for groups A/B/C were 1.8/ 3.2/6.4 m (P = 0.000) and 2.2/4.4/15.0 m (P = 0.000), respectively. Median age for groups A/B/C was 74.4/70.6/ 68.5 years and median KPS was 60/70/80. Age (\75, C75) was inversely correlated with OAS (5.8/2.5 m, P = 0.01). KPS (\70, C70) was correlated with OAS 2.4/6.5 m (P = 0.000). Extent of resection (BY, PR, or CR) correlated with PFS (2.1/3.4/6.4 m, P = 0,000) and OS (2.2/7.0/ 13.9 m, P = 0,000), respectively.

Our study shows that elderly GBM patients can benefit from maximum treatment procedures with cytoreductive microsurgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Treatment options are obviously affected by KPS and age. The most impressive outcome predictor in this population was the extent of microsurgical resection for patients treated with adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy. To conclude, elderly GBM patients should not be per se excluded from intensive treatment procedures.

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Intramedullary high signal intensity and neurological status as prognostic factors in cervical spondylotic myelopathy

Acta Neurochir (2010) 152:1687–1694. DOI 10.1007/s00701-010-0692-8

The neurological outcome of cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) may depend on multiple factors, including age, symptom duration, cord compression ratio, cervical curvature, canal stenosis, and factors related to magnetic resonance (MR) signal intensity (SI). Each factor may act independently or interactively with others. To clarify the factors in prognosis, we prospectively analyzed the outcomes of patients with myelopathy caused by soft disc herniation in correlation with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings and other clinical parameters.

Materials and methods From June 2006 to July 2009, we performed surgical operations in 137 patients with CSM. Of these patients, 70 (51.1%), including 45 men and 25 women with ventral cord compression at one or two levels, underwent anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. The mean duration of follow-up was 32.7 months. We surveyed the cervical curvature index (CCI), canal stenosis (Torg–Pavlov ratio), cord compression ratio, the length of SI change on T2WI, and clinical outcome using the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score for cervical myelopathy. The MRI SI was evaluated by grade: grade 0, no change in signal intensity; grade 1, light signal change; and grade 2, bright signal change on the T2WI. Multifactorial effects were identified by regression analysis.

Results The mean preoperative and postoperative JOA scores were 10.5±2.9 and 14.9±2.1, respectively (p< 0.05). The mean recovery rate based on the JOA score was 70.0±20.1%. The respective preoperative JOA scores and recovery ratios(%) were 11.6±2.3 and 81.5±17.0% in 20 patients with SI grade 0; 10.8±2.3 and 70.1±17.3% in 25 patients with grade 1; and 9.2±3.6 and 60.7±20.9% in 25 patients with grade 2, respectively. Post-surgical neurological outcome showed no significant relationship to age, symptom duration, cervical alignment, stenosis, or cord compression.

Conclusions Among the variables tested, preoperative neurological status and intramedullary signal intensity were significantly related to neurological outcome. The better the preoperative neurological status was, the better the postoperative neurological outcome. The SI grade on the preoperative T2WI was negatively related to neurological outcome. Hence, the severity of SI change and preoperative neurological status emerged as significant prognostic factors in post-operative CSM.

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