Tag: meningioma

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Endoscopic Endonasal Transclival Approach to the Jugular Tubercle

Neurosurgery 71[ONS Suppl 1]:ons146–ons159, 2012

The jugular tubercle is a rounded bony prominence that arises from the inferolateral margin of the clivus. In a previous publication, we described the surgical anatomy of the expanded endonasal approach to the jugular tubercle.

OBJECTIVE: To illustrate the translation of laboratory work to the operating room describing the anatomic and technical nuances of the endonasal approach to the jugular tubercle.

METHODS: We review the relevant surgical anatomy needed to perform an endonasal approach to the jugular tubercle, and we select 4 different lesions to illustrate the application of our laboratory findings.

RESULTS: In the first case, exposure and partial drilling of the jugular tubercle was critical to gain an adequate corridor to the meningioma, particularly to its inferolateral margin. This allowed for early devascularization, safe extracapsular dissection, and preservation of surrounding neurovascular structures. In addition, the jugular tubercle was hyperostotic and its resection, along with generous dural removal, provided a grade I Simpson tumor resection. In the second (chondrosarcoma) and third (chordoma) cases, the jugular tubercle was infiltrated by tumor, and consequently its complete resection was essential to achieve total tumor removal. In the last case, an unusual adrenocorticotropic hormone-secreting adenoma recurrence at the jugular tubercle region, the technical modification of the transclival approach presented here was successfully applied to achieve complete resection and Cushing disease remission.

CONCLUSION: The transjugular tubercle variant of the expanded endonasal transclival approach allows for direct access to ventrolateral lesions in the inferior clival/petroclival region with no cerebral or cerebellar retraction, or cranial nerve manipulation during the approach.

 

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Predictors of meningioma consistency: A study in 243 consecutive cases

Acta Neurochir (2012) 154:1383–1389 DOI 10.1007/s00701-012-1427-9

Meningioma is a common neoplasm primarily arising in the central nervous system. Its consistency is considered to be one of the critical prognostic factors for determining surgical resectability. The present study endeavored to investigate predictive factors associated with the tumor consistency.

Methods Two hundred and forty-three consecutive participants who underwent resective surgery of meningioma were examined. The authors designed an objective grading system for meningioma consistency and utilized it for assessing consistency among all cases. We focused on the relationship between preoperative tumor characteristics on neuroimaging studies and the consistency.

Results The tumor attributes on T2-weighted image (T2WI) and fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) image were significantly correlated with the tumor consistency (p=0.004 and 0.045, respectively). The hypointense tumors on both MRI sequences tended to be hard, whereas the tumors showing hypersignal intensity were associated with soft consistency. There was no correlation between the consistency and age, gender, duration of neurologic symptoms, tumor location, size, calcification, cystic portion, en plague appearance, tumor-brain contact interface expressed by cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cleft, perilesional vasogenic edema, bony status, features on T1-weighted image (T1WI) and pattern of contrast enhancement. In multiple logistic regression analysis, the tumor characteristics on T2WI and FLAIR image were independent factors significantly correlated with the tumor consistency (p=0.005 and 0.041, respectively). The tumor consistency was also correlated with operative radicalness as evaluated by the Simpson criteria.

Conclusions Signal intensity on T2WI and FLAIR image can be used for insinuating meningioma consistency. Presurgical prediction of the consistency is highly valuable in operative planning, particularly in arduous cases.

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Surgical management of ventral and ventrolateral foramen magnum meningiomas

Neurosurg Rev (2012) 35:359–368

Foramen magnum meningioma poses a challenge for neurosurgeons. Prognosis has generally improved with diagnostic and surgical advances over the past two decades; however, it may ultimately depend more on the surgeon’s ability to tailor the approach and interpret intraoperative risks in single cases.

The series comprised 64 patients operated on for ventral and ventrolateral foramen magnum meningioma. All patients underwent preoperative magnetic resonance imaging and received surgery via the dorsolateral route, rendering the series homogeneous in neuroradiological workup and surgical treatment. Particular to this series was that the majority of patients were of advanced age (n=29; age, >65 years), had serious functional impairment (n=30, Karnofski score <70), and large tumors (mean diameter, 3.5 cm).

Total tumor removal was achieved in 52 (81 %) patients; operative mortality was nil. Early outcome varied depending on difficulties encountered at surgery (cranial nerve position and type of involvement in particular) and type of preoperative dysfunction. Long-tract signs and cerebellar deficits improved in 74 and 77 % of cases, respectively, but only 27 % of cranial nerve deficits did so. Surgical complications most often involved the cranial nerves: cranial nerve impairment, especially of the 9th through the 12th cranial nerves, due to stretching or encasement was noted in 44 cases. At final outcome assessment, two thirds of the cranial nerve deficits cleared, and all but two patients returned to a normal productive life. One patient was reoperated on during the follow-up period.

Foramen magnum meningiomas behave like clival or spinal tumors depending on their prevalent extension. A dorsolateral approach tailored to tumor position and extension and meticulous surgical technique allow for definitive control of surgical complications. Scrupulous postoperative care may prevent dysphagia, a major persistent complication of surgery. Long-term observation of indolent tumor behavior at follow-up suggests that incomplete resection may be a viable surgical treatment option.

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Significance of Simpson grading system in modern meningioma surgery

J Neurosurg 117:121–128, 2012. http://thejns.org/doi/abs/10.3171/2012.3.JNS111945

Techniques for the surgical treatment of meningioma have undergone many improvements since Simpson established the neurosurgical dogma for meningioma surgery in his seminal paper published in 1957. This study aims to assess the clinical significance and limitations of the Simpson grading system in relation to modern surgery for WHO Grade I benign meningiomas and to explore the potential of the cell proliferation index to complement the limitations in predicting their recurrence.

Methods. The surgical records of patients who underwent resection of intracranial meningiomas at the University of Tokyo Hospital between January 1995 and August 2010 were retrospectively analyzed. The authors investigated the relationships between recurrence-free survival (RFS) and Simpson grade or MIB-1 labeling index value.

Results. A total of 240 patients harboring 248 benign meningiomas were included in this study. Simpson Grade IV resection was associated with a significantly shorter RFS than Simpson Grade I, II, or III resection (p < 0.001), while no statistically significant difference was noted in RFS between Simpson Grades I, II, and III. Among meningiomas treated by Simpson Grade II and III resections, however, multivariate analysis revealed that an MIB-1 index of 3% or higher was associated with a significantly shorter time to recurrence.

Conclusions. The clinical significance of the different management strategies related to Simpson Grade I–III resection may have been diluted in the modern surgical era. The MIB-1 index can differentiate tumors with a high risk of recurrence, which could be beneficial for planning tailored optimal follow-up strategies. The results of this study appear to provide a significant backing for the recent shift in meningioma surgery from attempting aggressive resection to valuing the quality of the patient’s life.

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Long-Term Surgical Outcomes of Spinal Meningiomas

Spine 2012 ; 37 : E617 – E623 

Although previous studies have demonstrated favorable surgical outcomes for spinal meningioma, with a low incidence of tumor recurrence, few have examined longterm surgical outcomes.

Methods. The influence of patient age, surgical margin status (Simpson grade), tumor location, and histological subtype on tumor recurrence were examined retrospectively. In addition, the resected dura mater from Simpson grade I cases was examined for invasive tumor cells and compared with the presence or absence of a dural tail sign on magnetic resonance image.

Results. Complete resection (Simpson grades I and II) was performed in 62 patients. Among them, the tumor recurrence rate was 9.7%, all in patients who underwent grade II resection for ventral spinal lesions. The mean duration to reoperation in these patients was 12.2 ± 5.2 years. Of the 6 patients who underwent incomplete resection (Simpson grade III/IV), all required reoperation for tumor recurrence or regrowth, 5 years later on average. Patients younger than 50 years at the initial surgery had a significantly higher recurrence rate than those aged 50 years or older. Histologic examination of 43 dura mater specimens from Simpson grade I-resection patients revealed tumor cell invasion between the inner and outer layers in 15 patients. This invasion was noted in 8 (29%) of 28 patients who were negative for the dural tail sign on magnetic resonance image, and in 7 (47%) of 15 patients who showed a positive dural tail sign. The MIB-1 index reached about 10% for dumbbell-type meningiomas invading the vertebral body; these were associated with repeated recurrence and unfavorable prognosis.

Conclusion. Long-term follow-up after surgery for meningiomas indicated that Simpson grade I resection should be selected whenever practicable when treating younger patients or dumbbelltype meningiomas. Tumors recurred at 12 years, on average, in approximately 30% of patients who underwent grade II resection.

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Posterior petrous bone meningiomas: surgical experience in 53 patients and literature review

Neurosurg Rev (2012) 35:53–66. DOI 10.1007/s10143-011-0333-6

Meningiomas of the posterior fossa represent a heterogeneous group of tumors regarding difficulty of resection and functional outcome.

The aim of this review was to focus on tumors located mainly on the posterior surface of the petrous bone and threatening hearing and facial functions.

An anatomical classification was used to evaluate surgical outcome depending on the relationship of the tumor to the internal auditory meatus. The authors performed a retrospective chart review of 53 consecutive patients operated on for a posterior petrous bone meningioma in a tertiary referral center and a literature review. Tumors were classified in four groups according to the modified Desgeorges and Sterkers classification: posterior petrous (P; 17 tumors), meatus and internal auditory canal (M; 12 tumors), petrous apex without invasion of the internal auditory canal (A; 9 tumors), and cerebellopontine angle with invasion of the internal auditory canal (AMP; 15 tumors).

The facial function was preserved in 100% of P and A tumors, 75% of group M tumors, and 53% of AMP tumors. Hearing preservation was attempted only in P, A, and M groups where rates of serviceable hearing preservation were 82%, 80%, and 66%, respectively. The cumulative rate of hearing preservation for AMP tumors was 45% in our literature review. The increased facial morbidity associated with AMP tumors compared with other groups was also confirmed by the review of the literature.

In conclusion, this study shows that among posterior petrous bone meningiomas, tumors invading the internal auditory canal present with increased postoperative functional morbidity in spite of a tailored approach regarding dural insertion.

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Bilateral subfrontal approach for tuberculum sellae meningiomas in long-term postoperative visual outcome

J Neurosurg 115:802–810, 2011.DOI: 10.3171/2011.5.JNS101812

Various surgical approaches, such as uni- and bifrontal, frontolateral, and pterional approaches, havebeen advocated for tuberculum sellae meningiomas. The authors retrospectively reviewed the effectiveness of a bilateralsubfrontal approach for tuberculum sellae meningiomas with special attention to ophthalmological outcomesand complications.

Methods. Between 1993 and 2009, 34 patients underwent surgery for removal of tuberculum sellae meningiomasat Osaka City University. Tumor size ranged from 14 to 45 mm. Thirty-two of 34 patients presented with visualdisturbances before the surgery. The visual functions in all patients were assessed using a visual impairment score(VIS) before and after surgery. Postoperative visual examination was performed 2 weeks after surgery. Long-termfollow-up examinations were conducted 1 year after surgery.

Results. Radical resection (Simpson Grades I and II) was accomplished in 27 patients, and subtotal or partialresection (Simpson Grades III and IV) was achieved in 7. There was no deterioration in postoperative visual outcome.Twenty-nine (90.6%) of 32 patients showed improved VIS compared with preoperative VIS. The average VIS was38.1 preoperatively, 23.5 in the short-term postoperative period, and 21.8 in the long-term postoperative period. Inthe short-term postoperative period, the visual function in 6 patients normalized, and visual problems persisted in theremaining 26. Six (23%) of 26 patients showed further improvement in VIS during the long-term follow-up period,and no patient exhibited a worsened VIS during this time. One patient complained of hyposmia after surgery, butthere was no indication of related complications such as CSF leakage or frontal brain contusion.

Conclusions. The bilateral subfrontal approach was previously avoided because of the relatively high rate ofcomplications in earlier surgical series of tuberculum sellae meningiomas. However, after developments in microsurgicaltechniques in recent years, the bilateral subfrontal approach can now provide satisfactory visual outcomes withminimal postoperative complications. Careful preservation of the blood supply to optic apparatus and early unroofingof the optic canal using a bilateral subfrontal approach led to further improvement in long-term postoperative visual outcome.

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Supraorbital keyhole approach for removal of midline anterior cranial fossa meningiomas

Neurosurg Rev. DOI 10.1007/s10143-011-0340-7

The paper describes a retrospective study of a consecutive series of 20 midline anterior cranial fossa meningiomas (five of the olfactory groove, 14 of the tuberculum sellae, and one clinoidal), which were operated on via a supraorbital keyhole approach between 2002 and 2008.

The series includes three males and 17 females (mean age 57 years, mean size of the tumors 3.5×3 cm, and mean follow-up 48 months). Gross total excision was achieved in 18 cases and subtotal resection in two. Out of 14 patients with visual deficits, nine patients improved, one remained stable, and three deteriorated. Two patients presented a recurrence 3 years after surgery. One peri-operative death was recorded.

The subgroup of patients with tuberculum sellae meningiomas was analyzed in details. A meta-analysis of the major series of such meningiomas in the last 20 years has been performed in order to compare results of different surgical techniques. With regard to primary outcomes of these tumors, gross total removal, restoration of visual function, morbidity, mortality, and recurrence rates, the supraorbital approach, for selected cases, seems to offer valuable results, comparable with those reported in conventional and endoscopic approaches and with very low surgical aggressiveness. However, statistical data available from the literature, particularly on visual function, are still too limited to draw definitive conclusions.

The best surgical option for the individual patient cannot yet be standardized and should be chosen on the basis of tumor anatomy, pre-operative clinical symptoms, and surgeon’s experience.

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Lateral supracerebellar transtentorial approach for petroclival meningiomas: operative technique and outcome

J Neurosurg 115:49–54, 2011. DOI: 10.3171/2011.2.JNS101759

The retrosigmoid intradural suprameatal approach with the patient in a semisitting position is an effective alternative to transpetrosal approaches for the treatment of petroclival meningiomas. The authors have made a simple modification to the retrosigmoid intradural suprameatal approach by using the lateral oblique position and preferentially dividing the tentorium with limited drilling of the suprameatal bone, which is termed the “lateral su- pracerebellar transtentorial approach.”

Methods. Twenty-six patients with petroclival meningiomas surgically treated via the lateral supracerebellar transtentorial approach were analyzed. All tumors had most of their bulk in the posterior fossa with some degree of extension into the middle fossa and/or Meckel cave. The patient is placed in the lateral oblique position, and a standard retrosigmoid craniotomy is performed. The tentorium medial to the trigeminal nerve is incised toward the free edge, which improves exposure to the petroclival region without extensive resection of the suprameatal petrous bone.

Results. Gross-total resection was achieved in 11 patients (42%). Ten patients (38%) underwent subtotal resection, and 5 patients (19%) underwent partial resection. There was no incidence of operative death, and the postoperative permanent morbidity rate was 15%. All patients except one did well postoperatively and were independent at the time of their last follow-up examinations.

Conclusions. The lateral supracerebellar transtentorial approach provides the simplest and safest access to the petroclival region. It offers an advantageous approach to petroclival meningiomas exclusively located in the posterior fossa with minimal extension into the Meckel cave and middle fossa.

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Treatment policy for petroclival meningioma based on tumor size: aiming radical removal in small tumors for obtaining cure without morbidity

Neurosurg Rev (2011) 34:327–335. DOI 10.1007/s10143-011-0308-7

Aggressive tumor removal is not always the best treatment for petroclival meningioma (PCM). However, radical removal actually provides the cure with minimal morbidity.

We evaluated the relation of surgical results and tumor size in the PCM removal to clarify the treatment policy for PCM. This study comprised 32 consecutive patients with newly-diagnosed PCM who underwent tumor removal; tumor size was small (< 3 cm) in 12 patients and large (≥3 cm) in 20. Tumor removal was classified into radical (Simpson’s grade I/II) and non-radical (Simpson’s grade III/IV). Removal of small PCM was 11 radical and one non-radical; no surgical morbidity/mortality occurred and postoperative regular follow-up using magnetic resonance imaging showed no recurrence in the period of 66± 45 months. Removal of large PCM was eight radical and 12 non-radical; despite no mortality, the incidence of permanent cranial nerve deficits and major neurological deficits newly developed postoperatively was 35% and 25%, respectively. Radical removal was significantly more frequent in small PCMs than in large PCMs. Permanent cranial nerve deficits newly developed postoperatively and poor outcome (Karnofsky score ≤80) were significantly more frequent in large PCMs than in small PCMs. Radical removal of small PCM is achieved with minimal morbidity and results in the cure. Notwithstanding high morbidity, aggressive removal of large PCM does not achieve a high rate of radical removal.

To find and remove PCM radically while it is small is the only way to cure the disease with minimal morbidity.

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Intraoperative Confocal Microscopy for Brain Tumors: A Feasibility Analysis in Humans

Neurosurgery 68[ONS Suppl 2]:ons282–ons290, 2011. DOI: 10.1227/NEU.0b013e318212464e

The ability to diagnose brain tumors intraoperatively and identify tumor margins during resection could maximize resection and minimize morbidity. Advances in optical imaging enabled production of a handheld intraoperative confocal microscope.

OBJECTIVE: To present a feasibility analysis of the intraoperative confocal microscope for brain tumor resection.

METHODS: Thirty-three patients with brain tumor treated at Barrow Neurological Institute were examined. All patients received an intravenous bolus of sodium fluorescein before confocal imaging with the Optiscan FIVE 1 system probe. Optical biopsies were obtained within each tumor and along the tumor-brain interfaces. Corresponding pathologic specimens were then excised and processed. These data was compared by a neuropathologist to identify the concordance for tumor histology, grade, and margins.

RESULTS: Thirty-one of 33 lesions were tumors (93.9%) and 2 cases were identified as radiation necrosis (6.1%). Of the former, 25 (80.6%) were intra-axial and 6 (19.4%) were extra-axial. Intra-axial tumors were most commonly gliomas and metastases, while all extra-axial tumors were meningiomas. Among high-grade gliomas, vascular neoproliferation, as well as tumor margins, were identifiable using confocal imaging. Meningothelial and fibrous meningiomas were distinct on confocal microcopy—the latter featured spindle-shaped cells distinguishable from adjacent parenchyma. Other tumor histologies correlated well with standard neuropathology tissue preparations.

CONCLUSION: Intraoperative confocal microscopy is a practicable technology for the resection of human brain tumors. Preliminary analysis demonstrates reliability for a variety of lesions in identifying tumor cells and the tumor-brain interface. Further refinement of this technology depends upon the approval of tumor-specific fluorescent contrast agents for human use.

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How I do it: epidural anterior petrosectomy

Acta Neurochir (2011) 153:1161–1167. DOI 10.1007/s00701-011-1010-9

Among the potential approaches to access the petroclival area, epidural anterior petrosectomy (EAP) appears to be the most direct and conservative transpetrous route.

In this article, we aim to detail the relevant surgical steps necessary to perform EAP in a reproducible and safe manner.

Method The temporo-pterional bone flap is tailored to access the floor of the middle fossa and expose the foramen ovale and foramen spinosum. Elevation of the dura covering the upper surface of the petrous apex is conducted medially toward the level of the petrous ridge. Identification of the landmarks of the rhomboid fossa delineates the limits of the drilling zone (necessary for removal of the petrous apex)—beneath Meckel’s cave and just anterior to the anterior margin of the internal auditory meatus. The tentorium is divided at its free edge and is followed by opening of the posterior fossa dura.

Conclusion Epidural anterior petrosectomy is a conservative trans-petrous approach that offers an excellent direct surgical corridor for exposure of disease processes involving Meckel’s cave, the petroclival area and the ventrolateral pons

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The natural history of intracranial meningiomas

J Neurosurg 114:1250–1256, 2011. DOI: 10.3171/2010.12.JNS101623

Despite the increased detection of incidental or small meningiomas, the lesion’s natural history is largely unknown.

Methods. One year or longer of follow-up was conducted in 244 patients with 273 meningiomas managed conservatively by a single surgeon between 2003 and 2008. Data were stratified according to age, sex, tumor location, symptoms, initial tumor diameter, calcification, MR imaging intensity, and edema. Linear tumor growth was defined as a 2-mm or larger increase in the maximum diameter in any direction of the tumor. Volumetric analysis (ImageJ version 1.43) was also conducted in 154 of 273 meningiomas for which complete radiological data were available in the form of DICOM files throughout the follow-up period. A volume increase greater than 8.2% was regarded as significant because the preliminary volumetry based on 20 randomly selected meningiomas showed that the average SD was 4.1%.

Results. Linear growth was observed in 120 tumors (44.0%) with a mean follow-up of 3.8 years. Factors related to tumor growth were age of 60 or younger (p = 0.0004), absence of calcification (p = 0.027), MR imaging T2 signal hyperintensity (p = 0.021), and edema (p = 0.018). Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazards regression analysis revealed that age 60 or younger (hazard ratio [HR] 1.54, 95% CI 1.05–2.30, p = 0.026), initial tumor diameter greater than 25 mm (HR 2.23, 95% CI 1.44–3.38, p = 0.0004), and the absence of calcification (HR 4.57, 95% CI 2.69–8.20, p < 0.0001) were factors associated with a short time to progression. Volumetric growth was seen in 74.0% of the cases. Factors associated with a higher annual growth rate were male sex (p = 0.0002), initial tumor diameter greater than 25 mm (p < 0.0001), MR imaging T2 signal hyperintensity (p = 0.0001), presence of symptoms (p = 0.037), and edema (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions. Although the authors could obtain variable results depending on the measurement method, the data demonstrate patients younger than 60 years of age and those with meningiomas characterized by hyperintensity on T2-weighted MR imaging, no calcification, diameter greater than 25 mm, and edema need to be observed more closely. Volumetry was more sensitive to detecting tumor growth than measuring the linear diameter.

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Gamma Knife surgery of meningiomas located in the posterior fossa: factors predictive of outcome and remission

J Neurosurg 114:1399–1409, 2011. DOI: 10.3171/2010.11.JNS101193

Although numerous studies have analyzed the role of stereotactic radiosurgery for intracranial meningiomas, few studies have assessed outcomes of posterior fossa meningiomas after stereotactic radiosurgery. In this study, the authors evaluate the outcomes of posterior fossa meningiomas treated with Gamma Knife surgery (GKS). The authors also assess factors predictive of new postoperative neurological deficits and tumor progression.

Methods. A retrospective review was performed of a prospectively compiled database documenting the outcomes of 152 patients with posterior fossa meningiomas treated at the University of Virginia from 1990 to 2006. All patients had a minimum follow-up of 24 months. There were 30 males and 122 females, with a median age of 58 years (range 12–82 years). Seventy-five patients were treated with radiosurgery initially, and 77 patients were treated with GKS after resection. Patients were assessed clinically and radiographically at routine intervals following GKS. Factors predictive of new neurological deficit following GKS were assessed via univariate and multivariate analysis, and Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox multivariate regression analysis were used to assess factors predictive of tumor progression.

Results. Patients had meningiomas centered over the tentorium (35 patients, 23%), cerebellopontine angle (43 patients, 28%), petroclival region (28 patients, 18%), petrous region (6 patients, 4%), and clivus (40 patients, 26%). The median follow-up was 7 years (range 2–16 years). The mean preradiosurgical tumor volume was 5.7 cm3 (range 0.3–33 cm3), and mean postradiosurgical tumor volume was 4.9 cm3 (range 0.1–33 cm3). At last follow-up, 55 patients (36%) displayed no change in tumor volume, 78 (51%) displayed a decrease in volume, and 19 (13%) displayed an increase in volume. Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated radiographic progression-free survival at 3, 5, and 10 years to be 98%, 96%, and 78%, respectively. In Cox multivariable analysis, pre-GKS covariates associated with tumor progression included age greater than 65 years (hazard ratio [HR] 3.24, 95% CI 1.12–9.37; p = 0.03) and a low dose to the tumor margin (HR 0.76, 95% CI 0.60–0.97; p = 0.03), and post-GKS covariates included shunt-dependent hydrocephalus (HR 25.0, 95% CI 3.72–100.0; p = 0.001). At last clinical follow-up, 139 patients (91%) demonstrated no change or improvement in their neurological condition, and 13 patients showed symptom deterioration (9%). In multivariate analysis, the only factors predictive of new or worsening symptoms were clival or petrous location (OR 4.0, 95% CI 1.1–13.7; p = 0.03).

Conclusions. Gamma Knife surgery offers an acceptable rate of tumor control for posterior fossa meningiomas and accomplishes this with a low incidence of neurological deficits. In patients selected for GKS, tumor progression is associated with age greater than 65 years and decreasing dose to the tumor margin. Clival- or petrous-based locations are predictive of an increased risk of new or worsening neurological deficit following GKS.

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Sphenoorbital meningioma: surgical technique and outcome

J Neurosurg 114:1241–1249, 2011.DOI: 10.3171/2010.10.JNS101128

The aim of this study was to describe the surgical technique used for removal of sphenoorbital meningiomas in the authors’ practice and to review the operative outcome.

Methods. Review of the senior author’s practice between 1994 and 2009 revealed 39 patients (mean age 48 years) eligible for this study. Clinical presentation, surgical technique, postoperative outcome, and follow-up data are presented. Surgical technique is detailed, with an emphasis on aggressive removal consisting of drilling of the hypertrophied sphenoid bone, orbital wall, and anterior clinoid process, followed by tumor removal and a wide resection of the involved dura. A simple dural closure without reconstruction of the orbital roof or the lateral wall of the orbit is also described.

Results. Gross-total resection was achieved in 15 cases (38.5%), near-total resection with small residual in the cavernous sinus or periorbita in 20 cases (51.3%), and subtotal resection in 4 cases (10.3%). Postoperative complications included trigeminal hypesthesia in 9 patients, oculomotor palsy in 3 patients, and seizure in 2 patients. Seven patients had recurrence within the mean follow-up period of 40.7 months. Preoperative visual deficits were present in 21 patients (53.8%). Of these, 14 (66.7%) experienced visual recovery to normal levels postoperatively. Statistical analyses revealed preoperative severe visual deficit and sphenoid bone hypertrophy as an independent risk factor and an independent favorable factor, respectively, for a favorable visual outcome. Proptosis was resolved (≤ 2 mm) in 73.5% of the authors’ patients. No patient had postoperative enophthalmos.

Conclusions. In the authors’ practice, surgery for sphenoorbital meningiomas consists of resection of the orbital/ sphenoid intraosseous, intraorbital, and intradural tumor components. The authors believe that aggressive removal of the orbital/sphenoid intraosseous tumor is critical for a favorable visual outcome and tumor control. Furthermore, satisfactory cosmetic results can be achieved with simple reconstruction techniques as described.

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Extended endoscopic transphenoidal approach for tuberculum sellae meningiomas

Acta Neurochir (2011) 153:1–9. DOI 10.1007/s00701-010-0788-1

Removal of tuberculum sella (TS) meningiomas is traditionally performed through transcranial approaches. Wide use of the endoscope in transphenoidal pituitary surgery is recently accessible through the tuberculum sellae with an endoscope-assisted or purely endoscopic technique. Extended endoscopic approach is an important and alternative route for meningiomas, which are located on the midline originating from the tuberculum sella. However, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage is an important problem in extended endoscopic approaches. In this report, we discuss surgical limitations and nuances of endoscopic transphenoidal approach from a retrospective analysis of nine patients with TS meningiomas.

Methods: Endoscopic transphenoidal approach was performed for seven women and two men (mean age, 51.1 years; age range, 32–78 years) with TS meningiomas between July 2007 and March 2010 in the Department of Neurosurgery, Kocaeli, Turkey.

Results: Total removal was achieved in six of nine patients. An improvement of the preoperative visual deficits was observed in six of the nine patients. Multilayer closure was performed for reconstruction, and lumbar external drainage was used for all patients for 3–5 days. CSF leakage was not seen in any of the patients after the operation and removal of the drainage.

Conclusion: Endoscopic extended transphenoidal approach is still not a standardized procedure for TS meningiomas, but it may be considered as an alternative procedure in selected cases.

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Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor: The Major Factor for Tumor Neovascularization and Edema Formation in Meningioma Patients

Neurosurgery 67:1703–1708, 2010 DOI: 10.1227/NEU.0b013e3181fb801b

Peritumoral brain edema (PTBE) may be crucial in the clinical outcome of meningioma patients. The underlying pathogenetic key mechanism has so far not been determined. Sex, age, tumor size, location, involvement of other structures, or the histological appearance was not found to sufficiently explain PTBE formation in meningiomas.

OBJECTIVE: As PTBE formation is widely accepted to be vasogenic, we investigated the role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and pial supplying vessels in a series of World Health Organization (WHO) grade I meningiomas.

METHODS: A total of 79 patients with WHO grade I meningiomas were immunohistochemically studied for VEGF and MIB-1. Pre- and postoperative magnetic resonance imaging including 3-dimensional reconstruction of 1.3-mm thick layers, with calculation of tumor and edema volume, was performed. Intraoperatively, the vascular supply and arachnoidal state were noted by the neurosurgeon.

RESULTS: VEGF was found to be exclusively confined to meningioma tumor cells. We identified 4 different patterns. VEGF and supplying pial vessels were found in 14 meningioma patients, pial vascular supply only in 3, VEGF expression only in 46, and neither VEGF expression nor supplying pial vessels in 16. Only the occurrence of both pial vascular supply and tumor VEGF expression was found to be correlated with PTBE formation (P , .002).

CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that VEGF may be crucial in angiogenesis and therefore indirectly in PTBE formation in World Health Organization grade I meningiomas

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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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Brain surface motion imaging to predict adhesions between meningiomas and the brain surface

Neuroradiology (2010) 52:1003–1010. DOI 10.1007/s00234-010-0671-z

“Brain surface motion imaging” (BSMI) is the subtraction of pulse-gated, 3D, heavily T2-weighted image of two different phases of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pulsation, which enables the assessment of the dynamics of brain surface pulsatile motion. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of this imaging method for providing presurgical information about adhesions between meningiomas and the brain surface.

Methods Eighteen cases with surgically resected meningioma in whom BSMI was presurgically obtained were studied. BSMI consisted of two sets of pulse-gated, 3D, heavily T2-weighted, fast spin echo scans. Images of the systolic phase and the diastolic phase were obtained, and subtraction was performed with 3D motion correction. We analyzed the presence of band-like texture surrounding the tumor and judged the degree of motion discrepancy as “total,” “partial,” or “none.” The correlation between BSMI and surgical findings was evaluated. For cases with partial adhesions, agreements in the locations of the adhesions were also evaluated.

Results On presurgical BSMI, no motion discrepancy was seen in eight cases, partial in six cases, and total in four cases. These presurgical predictions about adhesions and surgical findings agreed in 13 cases (72.2%). The locations of adhesions agreed in five of six cases with partial adhesions.

Conclusion In the current study, BSMI could predict brain and meningioma adhesions correctly in 72.2% of cases, and adhesion location could also be predicted. This imaging method appears to provide presurgical information about brain/meningioma adhesions.

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