Surgical management and outcomes of petroclival meningiomas: a single-center case series of 259 patients

The Evolution of Anterior Transpetrosal Approach for the Treatment of Petroclival Meningiomas: A Single-Center 128-Case Experience

BACKGROUND

The profound understanding of anterior transpetrosal approach (ATPA) is increasingly used to treat petroclival meningiomas (PCMs). We introduce the evolution of ATPA and the outcomes of PCMs treatment.

METHODS

Between January 2013 and December 2019, 128 patients with PCMs underwent surgery. According to tumor extension, we classified the 128 patients into 5 types (I-V), introduced key technologies of ATPA into different types for the first time, and achieved a supreme surgical technology. Clinical data, radiological findings, surgical treatments, complications, and patient outcomes were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 22 (17.2%), 44 (34.4%), 25 (19.5%), 29 (22.7%), and 8 (6.3%) patients had type I, II, III, IV, and V disease, respectively. Tumors were gross totally removed (Simpson I and II) in 100 patients (78.1%), subtotally removed (Simpson III) in 20 patients (15.6%), and partially removed (Simpson IV) in 8 patients (6.3%). The progression or recurrence rates were 5% (5/100) for gross totally removed, 22.3% (6/20) for subtotally removed, and 62.5% (5/8; 1 died) for partially removed. According to the Karnofsky Performance Scale and Glasgow Outcome Scale, 108 patients had good recovery (84.4%, 108/128) and 115 were independent (89.8%, 115/128) at the end of follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Because some key technologies were used in ATPA, the application of ATPA was extended, and greater tumor resection and nerve function protection could be achieved in the treatment of PCMs.

Postoperative Complications and Neurological Deficits After Petroclival Region Meningioma Resection: A Case Series

BACKGROUND

Surgical management of meningiomas involving the petroclival junction remains a challenge because of nearby critical neurovascular structures.

OBJECTIVE

To describe surgical approach selection, outcomes, and factors associated with postoperative complications and neurological deficits in a series of patients undergoing resection of petroclival region meningiomas.

METHODS

Retrospective review of patients undergoing symptomatic petroclival region meningioma resection was performed. Logistic regression was performed to identify variables associated with postoperative complications and new neurological deficits.

RESULTS

Sixty-five patients underwent 54 one-stage and 11 two-stage resections with median follow-up of 51 months. Most tumors were World Health Organization grade 1 (90.8%), and the median volume was 23.9 cm 3 . Posterior petrosectomy and anterior petrosectomy were performed in 67.1% and 6.6% of operations, respectively. The gross or near total resection rate was 15.4%, and 8 patients (12.3%) progressed on follow-up. The surgical complication rate was 26.2% with no perioperative mortalities. Postoperatively, 45.8% of patients had new, persistent neurological deficits, with cranial nerves VII palsy being most common. On multivariate analysis, higher body mass index (odds ratio [OR]: 1.1, P = .04) was associated with risk of surgical complications. Longer operative time (OR: 1.4, P = .004) and staged procedures (OR: 4.9, P = .04) were associated with risk of new neurological deficit on follow-up, likely reflecting more challenging tumors. Comparing early vs later career surgeries performed by the senior author, rates of severe complications and neurological deficits decreased 23.1% and 22.3%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Petroclival region meningiomas remain surgically challenging, but improved outcomes are seen with surgeon experience. These data help inform patients on perioperative morbidity risk and provide a guide for surgical approach selection.

Correlation of Surgical Outcomes of Petroclival Meningiomas with Clinicoradiologic Parameters and Molecular and Chromosomal Alterations

OBJECTIVE

To identify clinical, radiologic, intraoperative, histopathologic, and molecular factors that might affect the surgical outcome of petroclival meningiomas.

METHODS

Medical records of 53 cases of petroclival meningiomas operated from 2003 to 2021 were reviewed for clinicoradiologic and molecular factors that were correlated with extent of resection.

RESULTS

Modified Dolenc-Kawase anterior transpetrous rhomboid (44, 83.0%) was the most commonly used approach, followed by retrosigmoid (2, 3.8%) and combined (7, 13.2%) approaches. Hypointense tumors on T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (odds ratio [OR] 5.85; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.70-20.41) and presence of brainstem edema (OR 4.53; 95% CI 1.36-15.12) were found to be significant factors increasing the likelihood of subtotal resection (STR; P = 0.004 and P = 0.011, respectively). In the presence of both tumor T2 hypointensity and brainstem edema, there was a significant increase in the likelihood of STR (P = 0.001; OR 25; 95% CI 3.52-177.48). Of the 16 cases for which molecular analysis was performed, no specimen was found to have pTERT, AKT-1 E17K, and SMO L412F and W535L mutations. All (100%) the patients harboring H3K27me3 loss and/or hemizygous CDKN2A deletion had cavernous sinus extension compared with 62.5% of patients without H3K27me3 loss and 72.7% with hemizygous CDKN2A retention. Similarly, hemizygous CDKN2A deletion and H3K27me3 loss were associated with an increase in the rate of brainstem edema from 27.3% to 60% and 25% to 50%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

T2 hypointense tumor and brainstem edema on preoperative imaging are significant predictors of STR. H3K27me3 loss and hemizygous CDKN2A deletion may be associated with cavernous sinus extension, suggesting their role in tumor spread.

Treatment Strategies and Current Results of Petroclival Meningiomas

Petroclival meningiomas (PCMs) are complex skull-base tumors that continue to pose a formidable surgical challenge to neurosurgeons because of their deep-seated location/intimate relationship with the brainstem and neurovascular structures. The advent of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), along with the shifting of management goals from complete radiological cure to maximal preservation of the patient's quality of life (QOL), has further cluttered the topic of "optimal management" in PCMs. Not all patients with PCM need treatment ("watchful waiting"). However, many who reach the neurosurgeons with a symptomatic disease need surgery. The goal of the surgery in PCMs is a GTR, yet this can be achieved in only less than half of the patients with acceptable morbidity. The remainder of the patients are better treated by STR followed by SRS for residual tumor control or close follow-up. A small subset of patients with PCM may be best treated by primary SRS. In this chapter, we have tried to summarize the scientific evidence pertaining to the management of PCMs (including the senior author's series), particularly those regarding the available treatment strategies and current outcomes, and discuss the decision-making process to formulate an "optimal management" plan for individual PCMs.

Surgical results of 158 petroclival meningiomas with special focus on standard craniotomies

Objective

The goal of this retrospective study is the evaluation of risk factors for postoperative neurological deficits after petroclival meningioma (PCM) surgery with special focus on standard craniotomies.

Materials and methods

One-hundred-fifty-eight patients were included in the study, of which 133 patients suffered from primary and 25 from recurrent PCM. All patients were operated on and evaluated concerning age, tumor size, histology, pre- and postoperative cranial nerve (CN) deficits, morbidity, mortality, and surgical complications. Tumor-specific features—e.g., consistency, surface, arachnoid cleavage, and location—were set in a four-grade classification system that was used to evaluate the risk of CN deficits and tumor resectability.

Results

After primary tumor resection, new CN deficits occurred in 27.3% of patients. Preoperative ataxia improved in 25%, whereas 10% developed new ataxia. Gross total resection (GTR) was achieved in 59.4%. The morbidity rate, including hemiparesis, shunt-dependence, postop-hemorrhage, and tracheostomy was 22.6% and the mortality rate was 2.3%. In recurrent PCM surgery, CN deficits occurred in 16%. GTR could be achieved in three cases. Minor complications occurred in 20%. By applying the proposed new classification system to patients operated via standard craniotomies, the best outcome was observed in type I tumor patients (soft tumor consistency, smooth surface, plane arachnoid cleavage, and unilateral localization) with GTR in 78.7% (p < 0.001) and 11.9% new CN deficits (p = 0.006).

Conclusion

Standard craniotomies as the retrosigmoid or subtemporal/pterional approaches are often used for the resection of PCMs. Whether these approaches are sufficient for GTR—and avoidance of new neurological deficits—depends mainly on the localization and intrinsic tumor-specific features.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11060-022-04105-5.

Critical appraisal of minimally invasive keyhole surgery for intracranial meningioma in a large case series

Background

Meningioma surgery has evolved over the last 20 years with increased use of minimally invasive approaches including the endoscopic endonasal route and endoscope-assisted and gravity-assisted transcranial approaches. As the “keyhole” concept remains controversial, we present detailed outcomes in a cohort series.

Methods

Retrospective analysis was done for all patients undergoing meningioma removal at a tertiary brain tumor referral center from 2008–2021. Keyhole approaches were defined as: use of a minimally invasive “retractorless” approach for a given meningioma in which a traditional larger approach is often used instead. The surgical goal was maximal safe removal including conservative (subtotal) removal for some invasive locations. Primary outcomes were resection rates, complications, length of stay and Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS). Secondary outcomes were endoscopy use, perioperative treatments, tumor control and acute MRI FLAIR/T2 changes to assess for brain manipulation and retraction injury.

Results

Of 329 patients, keyhole approaches were utilized in 193(59%) patients (mean age 59±13; 30 (15.5%) had prior surgery) who underwent 213 operations; 205(96%) were skull base location. Approaches included: endoscopic endonasal (n = 74,35%), supraorbital (n = 73,34%), retromastoid (n = 38,18%), mini-pterional (n = 20,9%), suboccipital (n = 4,2%), and contralateral transfalcine (n = 4,2%). Primary outcomes: Gross total/near total (>90%) resection was achieved in 125(59%) (5% for petroclival, cavernous sinus/Meckel’s cave, spheno-cavernous locations vs 77% for all other locations). Major complications included: permanent neurological worsening 12(6%), CSF leak 2(1%) meningitis 2(1%). There were no DVTs, PEs, MIs or 30-day mortality. Median LOS decreased from 3 to 2 days in the last 2 years; 94% were discharged to home with favorable 90-day KPS in 176(96%) patients. Secondary outcomes: Increased FLAIR/T2 changes were noted on POD#1/2 MRI in 36/213(17%) cases, resolving in all but 11 (5.2%). Endoscopy was used in 87/139(63%) craniotomies, facilitating additional tumor removal in 55%. Tumor progression occurred in 26(13%) patients, mean follow-up 42±36 months.

Conclusions & relevance

Our experience suggests minimally invasive keyhole transcranial and endoscopic endonasal meningioma removal is associated with comparable resection rates and low complication rates, short hospitalizations and high 90-day performance scores in comparison to prior reports using traditional skull base approaches. Subtotal removal may be appropriate for invasive/adherent meningiomas to avoid neurological deficits and other post-operative complications, although longer follow-up is needed. With careful patient selection and requisite experience, these approaches may be considered reasonable alternatives to traditional transcranial approaches.

Retractorless Surgery for Petroclival Meningiomas via the Subtemporal Approach: A Try to Reduce Brain Retraction Injury

Purpose

To present our experience with retractorless surgery for resection of petroclival meningiomas (PCMs) via the subtemporal approach with routine operative instruments.

Methods

Clinical data of patients with PCMs who received surgical treatments via subtemporal approach were retrospectively analyzed. Patient demographics, duration of operation, extent of resection, postoperative brain injury rate, postoperative complication, and surgical outcome were reviewed.

Results

Twenty-nine consecutive patients with retractorless surgery via subtemporal approach performed between November 2018 and November 2021. The gross total resection rate was 82.8% (N = 24). The incidence of postoperative temporal lobe injury was 3.4% (N = 1). All the procedures were completed without fixed retraction or other specialized instruments.

Conclusions

Retractorless surgery via subtemporal approach is a reliable treatment option for PCMs, which can be completed with routine operative instruments.

A Retrospective Evaluation of the Retrosigmoidal Approach for Petroclival Meningioma Surgery and Prognostic Factors Affecting Clinical Outcome

Introduction

Petroclival meningioma (PCM) remains a major neurosurgical challenge. There are still controversial strategic treatment concepts about surgical approach, the extent of resection, and postoperative radiotherapy. We aimed to evaluate prognostic factors influencing the progression-free survival (PFS) rates of PCM, with a particular focus on the retrosigmoidal approach, the role of the extent of resection, and postoperative radiotherapy.

Methods

Eighty-nine patients with complete follow-up data were included. All patients were operated on via a retrosigmoidal approach, of whom 19 underwent gross total resection (GTR) and 70 underwent subtotal resection (STR). In the subgroups of tumors with infiltration of the cavernous sinus, 41 patients received near total resection (NTR) and 24 STR. Thirty-one patients received postoperative radiotherapy of the residual tumor and 58 were treated with surgery alone. Kaplan–Meier analyses and Cox regression were used to identify significant factors associated with treatment.

Results

GTR (p=0.0107) and postoperative radiotherapy (p=0.014) were associated with significantly improved PFS. Even the subgroup analysis of extended PCM with infiltration of the cavernous sinus (CS) showed an advantage for PFS after near total resection (NTR) (p=0.0017). The additional radiotherapy of the residual tumor in the CS in this subgroup also showed a beneficial effect on PFS (p=0.012).

Conclusion

The extension of surgical resection remains the most important prognostic factor in relation to oncological outcomes. However, the GTR of extended PCM with infiltration of the CS is associated with significant neurological morbidity and requires additional adjuvant therapy concepts. Postoperative radiotherapy is an important element in the treatment of the residual tumor after surgery.

Stereotactic radiosurgery in the management of petroclival meningiomas: a systematic review and meta-analysis of treatment outcomes of primary and adjuvant radiosurgery

PURPOSE

To summarize the clinical features and outcomes of petroclival meningioma patients treated with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) as either a primary or an adjuvant modality.

METHODS

Relevant articles were retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane. A systematic review and meta-analysis of treatment outcomes comparing primary and adjuvant SRS was conducted.

RESULTS

Seven articles comprising 722 cases were included. The mean tumor marginal dose was 13.5 Gy. After SRS, symptoms improved in 28.7%, remained unchanged in 61.3%, and worsened in 10.0% of the cohort. Tumor control was achieved in 94.8% of patients. The mean tumor volume change was -6.4 cm³. The 5-year and 10-year progression-free survival (PFS) rates were 91-100% and 69.6-89.9%, respectively. Overall, 61.9% of patients underwent primary radiosurgery, and 38.1% had adjuvant radiosurgery. Patients who had primary SRS reported higher rates of tumor control (94.3% vs. 88.2%) and fewer SRS-related complications (3.7% vs. 10.3%) than those who received adjuvant SRS (not accounting for microsurgical complications). The functional status of patients who had primary SRS was more likely to improve or remain unchanged, with an effect size of 1.12 (95% CI 1.1-1.25; I² = 0). Neither group displayed superiority in worsening functional outcomes or tumor control rate.

CONCLUSION

SRS of petroclival meningiomas was associated with excellent long-term PFS and local tumor control rates. Primary SRS was highly effective for patients with smaller volume lesions without clinically symptomatic mass effect. In patients who warrant initial resection, adjuvant radiosurgery remains an important modality to prevent regrowth while maintaining postresection function.

Mortality and morbidity in surgically treated patients with petroclival meningiomas: a systematic review and meta-analysis of case series

BACKGROUND

Reports on petroclival meningioma (PCM) surgical mortality and morbidity often deviate from established standards; as such, a comprehensive summary is lacking.

METHODS

Eligibility/sources. Peer-reviewed case series of at least 10 PCM patients identified from PubMed, Web of Science, Ovid, or Google Scholar. Outcomes. Primary: mortality, tumor recurrence, any cranial nerve deficit (CND); other: individual CNDs, other complications. Data synthesis. Random-effects meta-analysis/meta-regression [effects: surgical approach (supratentorial, S; infratentorial, I; combined, (C), average age and follow-up, sample size, and percent of patients with gross-total resection (GTR)] of logit-transformed proportions.

RESULTS

Data. 73 case-series/3553 patients. Mortality. Adjusted predicted mortalities of 2.4%, 2.5%, and 1.2% (50-month follow-up) for the S, I, and C approaches, respectively, with the upper limits of the 95% credibility intervals at 3.3%, 3.7%, and 3.6%, respectively. Recurrence. Adjusted predicted recurrences of 5.5%, 11.1%, and 12.0% (50-month follow-up and 57% GTR) for the S, I, and C approaches, respectively; recurrence was positively associated with follow-up period and negatively associated with having received GTR. At all covariates at median values but at GTR 90% predictions: 3.1% (95%CI 3.1-9.8), 6.3% (3.8-10.4), and 6.9% (3.4-13.2) with the S, I, and C; prediction credibility intervals 1-4% and 22.4%. Any CND. Adjusted predicted probabilities of 37.2%, 23.4%, and 29.5% (at median covariate values) for the S, I, and C approaches, respectively; prediction credibility intervals ranged from <10% to 78%. Other outcomes. The most common individual CNDs were nVII (14.4%), nV (11.5%), and nIII (10.2%); other common complications included motor deficit (10.8%), infection (9.8%), and CSF leak (7.5%).

CONCLUSION

This is the first systematic review on PCM surgical mortality, recurrence, and morbidity. Outcomes differ between surgical approaches and reporting quality varies greatly.

Surgical Treatment and Clinical Outcomes of Petroclival Meningiomas: A Single-Center Experience of 107 Patients

Objective

This study aimed to establish optimal surgical strategies via reviewing the clinical outcomes of various surgical approaches for the pertroclival meningiomas (PCMs).

Methods

This retrospective study enrolled 107 patients with PCMs at the authors’ institution from year 2010 to 2020. Patient demographics, the clinical characteristics, various operative approaches, major morbidity, post-operative cranial nerve deficits and tumor progression or recurrence were analyzed.

Results

The subtemporal transtentorial approach (STA), the Kawase approach (KA), the retrosigmoid approach (RSA) and the anterior sigmoid approach (ASA), namely the posterior petrosal approach (PPA) were adopted for 17 cases, 22 cases, 31 cases and 34 cases respectively. Total or subtotal resection was achieved in 96 cases (89.7%). The incidence of new-onset and aggravated cranial nerve dysfunction were 13.1% (14/107) and 10.4% (15/144), respectively. Furthermore, 14 cases suffered from intracranial infection, 9 cases had cerebrospinal fluid leakage, and 3 cases sustained intracranial hematoma (1 case underwent second operation). The mean preoperative and postoperative Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) score was 80 (range 60-100) and 78.6 (range 0-100), but this was not statistically significant (P>0.05). After a mean follow-up of 5.1 years (range 0.3- 10.6 years), tumor progression or recurrence was confirmed in 23 cases. Two cases died from postoperative complications.

Conclusions

For the treatment of PCMs, it is still a challenge to achieve total resection. With elaborate surgical plans and advanced microsurgical skills, most patients with PCMs can be rendered tumor resection with satisfactory extent and functional preservation, despite transient neurological deterioration during early postoperative periods.

Minimal anterior and posterior combined transpetrosal approach for large petroclival meningiomas

OBJECTIVE

Petroclival meningiomas (PCMs) remain difficult to remove, and radical tumor resection continues to pose a relatively high risk of neurological morbidity in patients with these lesions because of the proximity of the tumor to neurovascular structures. The anterior and posterior combined (APC) transpetrosal approach allows resection of a large petroclival lesion with minimal retraction of the temporal lobe. However, this approach is thought to be complex and time-consuming. The authors simplified this approach by minimizing the petrosectomy and used this method for large PCMs. This retrospective study describes the surgical technique and surgical outcomes of large PCMs.

METHODS

Between 2014 and 2019, 23 patients (19 women and 4 men) with benign (WHO grade I) PCMs were treated using the minimal APC (MAPC) transpetrosal approach. The mean age at surgery was 54.0 years (range 37-74 years). The mean tumor diameter was 40.3 mm (range 30-74 mm). The surgical technique consisted of a temporo-suboccipital craniotomy and minimal drilling of the petrous ridge. After opening Meckel's cave and removing the lesion at the prepontine cistern, drilling of the petrous apex with superior mobilization of the trigeminal nerve was performed through the subdural space for further tumor resection around the petrous apex. Finally, the tumor was removed as much as possible.

RESULTS

The mean preoperative and postoperative tumor volumes were 26.8 and 1.3 cm3, respectively. The mean extent of resection was 95.4% (range 62%-100%). Postoperative impairments included facial numbness in 7 patients, trochlear nerve palsy in 3 patients, mild oculomotor nerve palsy in 2 patients, and transient abducens nerve palsy in 1 patient. Preoperative Karnofsky Performance Status was improved in 13 patients, remained stable in 9 patients, and deteriorated in 1 patient.

CONCLUSIONS

The MAPC transpetrosal approach provides sufficiently wide exposure of petroclival lesions. Maximal resection via the MAPC transpetrosal approach is a suitable surgical option for the treatment of large PCMs.

Petroclival Meningiomas: A Simple System That Could Help in Selecting the Approach

BACKGROUND

Petroclival meningiomas (PCM) represent a neurosurgical challenge due to their strategic location close to the brainstem.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the applicability of a retrosigmoid approach (RSA) by analyzing the degree of displacement of the middle cerebellar peduncle (MCP) elicited by PCM.

METHODS

Patients with PCM were prospectively included and divided into those whose imaging studies showed that the posterior end of the MCP was displaced by the tumor and were eligible for and underwent RSA (group A) and those who were not eligible for RSA and who underwent surgery via a posterior transpetrosal approach (group B). We compared tumor behavior, clinical characteristic of patients and surgical results.

RESULTS

Twenty patients with PCM were enrolled and allocated to group A (n = 15) or group B (n = 5). The clinical manifestations were more severe in group B; tumors in this group were larger and gross total removal was achieved in only 1 patient (20%). In comparison, in 12 cases on group A, tumors could be totally removed (80%) and all of these patients could recover their quality of life after surgery.

CONCLUSION

To our knowledge, this study is the first to consider displacement of the MCP when establishing a suitable surgical approach for PCM. Our results suggest that the RSA becomes increasingly suitable when peduncle displacement is greater. By using this method, it was also possible to identify two types of tumors: petroclivals (group A) and clivopetrosals (group B), that show some specific clinical and surgical differences.

Petroclival meningiomas: update of current treatment and consensus by the EANS skull base section

BACKGROUND

The optimal management of petroclival meningiomas (PCMs) continues to be debated along with several controversies that persist.

METHODS

A task force was created by the EANS skull base section along with its members and other renowned experts in the field to generate recommendations for the management of these tumors. To achieve this, the task force reviewed in detail the literature in this field and had formal discussions within the group.

RESULTS

The constituted task force dealt with the existing definitions and classifications, pre-operative radiological investigations, management of small and asymptomatic PCMs, radiosurgery, optimal surgical strategies, multimodal treatment, decision-making, and patient's counselling.

CONCLUSION

This article represents the consensually derived opinion of the task force with respect to the management of PCMs.

Analysis of Approaches in the Microsurgical Treatment of 102 Cases of Petroclival Meningioma in a Single Center

Objectives: We identified the optimal approaches for treating the diverse tumor subtypes of petroclival meningioma (PM) by analyzing the clinical benefits of various surgical approaches adopted for each subtype. Methods: Tumors in 102 PM patients from a single center who underwent surgical treatment were classified as upper clivus (UC), cavernous sinus (CS), tentorium (TE), or petrous apex (PA) types based on the attachment site of the tumor base and the displacement of the trigeminal nerve. The therapeutic effects of different surgical approaches among the subtypes were evaluated according to the patient outcomes. Results: The subtemporal (33.33%), retrosigmoid (16.67%), and Kawase approaches (50%) were used for the UC type. Simpson I/II resection was achieved in 46.66% of patients with the Kawase approach. Significant differences were found between the other two approaches (P = 0.044) and in the follow-up Karnofsky performance scale (KPS) scores (P = 0.008). The subtemporal (60%) and Kawase approaches (40%) were used for the CS type; neither approach achieved Simpson I/II resection. The retrosigmoid (25.81%) and Kawase approaches (74.19%) were used for the TE type. The Simpson I/II resection rates of the two approaches were 55.55 and 86.95%, respectively, and a significant difference was observed between them (P = 0.039). The retrosigmoid (43.75%) and Kawase approaches (56.25%) were used for the PA type. The Simpson I/II resection rates of the two approaches were 31.25 and 50%, respectively. The resection degrees of the two approaches and the KPS scores at follow-up were significantly different (P = 0.034). Conclusion: The individual microsurgical approaches adopted for the various PM tumor subtypes can provide maximal safe resection and good KPS scores. The Kawase approach is more suitable for PM, especially for UC- and PA-type PM tumors.

Electrophysiological predictors of hearing deterioration based on AEP monitoring during petroclival meningioma resection

The objective of this study was to calculate the risk of postsurgical hearing deterioration as a function of changes in the amplitude and latency of the most stable components (waves III and V) of the auditory evoked potential (AEP) during petroclival meningioma resection surgery. We retrospectively analyzed intraoperative AEP monitoring results and pre- and postsurgical hearing status in 40 consecutive patients who were surgically treated for petroclival meningiomas. Statistical analyses were conducted to identify the most sensitive and specific way to predict hearing dysfunction after surgery. Patients' mean age was 59 ± 10 years, and 31 (77.5%) were women. Twelve (30%) patients presented with clinically detectable hearing impairment preoperatively. At the first postoperative assessment, four of those 12 patients reported subjective improvement, and eight reported hearing deterioration. Of those eight, four remained stable and four recovered hearing by the last assessment. Wave III latency reached its highest specificity (100%) and sensitivity (71.43%) at x = 143%. Wave V latency, on the other hand, reached its highest sensitivity (71%) and specificity (93%) at x = 124%. Finally, wave V amplitude reached its highest sensitivity (100%) and specificity (79%) at x = 74%. Intraoperative alterations of wave III latency and wave V amplitude seem to be highly sensitive and specific at predicting the risk of auditory dysfunction in patients undergoing petroclival meningioma resection and should be used to determine maximum resection with preservation of function.

Petroclival meningiomas: long-term outcomes of multimodal treatments and management strategies based on 30 years of experience at a single institution

OBJECTIVE

A thorough investigation of the long-term outcomes and chronological changes of multimodal treatments for petroclival meningiomas is required to establish optimal management strategies. The authors retrospectively reviewed the long-term clinical outcomes of patients with petroclival meningioma according to various treatments, including various surgical approaches, and they suggest treatment strategies based on 30 years of experience at a single institution.

METHODS

Ninety-two patients with petroclival meningiomas were treated surgically at the authors' institution from 1986 to 2015. Patient demographics, overall survival, local tumor control rates, and functional outcomes according to multimodal treatments, as well as chronological change in management strategies, were evaluated. The mean clinical and radiological follow-up periods were 121 months (range 1-368 months) and 105 months (range 1-348 months), respectively.

RESULTS

A posterior transpetrosal approach was most frequently selected and was followed in 44 patients (48%); a simple retrosigmoid approach, undertaken in 30 patients, was the second most common. The initial extent of resection and following adjuvant treatment modality were classified into 3 subgroups: gross-total resection (GTR) only in 13 patients; non-GTR treatment followed by adjuvant radiosurgery or radiation therapy (non-GTR+RS/RT) in 56 patients; and non-GTR without adjuvant treatment (non-GTR only) in 23 patients. The overall progression-free survival rate was 85.8% at 5 years and 81.2% at 10 years. Progression or recurrence rates according to each subgroup were 7.7%, 12.5%, and 30.4%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The authors' preferred multimodal treatment strategy, that of planned incomplete resection and subsequent adjuvant radiosurgery, is a feasible option for the management of patients with large petroclival meningiomas, considering both local tumor control and postoperative quality of life.

Surgical outcomes of anterior cerebellopontine angle meningiomas using the anterior transpetrosal approach compared with the lateral suboccipital approach

BACKGROUND

Anterior transpetrosal approach (ATPA) and lateral suboccipital approach (LSO) are the major surgical approaches for cerebellopontine angle (CPA) meningiomas. Particularly, anterior CPA meningiomas are challenging lesions to be treated surgically. To date, only a few studies have directly compared the outcomes of both approaches focusing on the anterior CPA meningiomas.

METHODS

For the comparative analysis, anterior CPA meningiomas that were eligible for both APTA and LSO were collected in our hospital from April 2005 to March 2017. Anterior CPA meningiomas targeted for this study were defined as follows: (1) without cavernous sinus, clivus, and middle cranial fossa extension, (2) the posterior edge is 1 cm behind the posterior wall of the internal auditory canal, and (3) the inferior edge is above the jugular tuberculum. Based on these criteria, the operative outcomes of 17 patients and 13 patients who were operated via ATPA and LSO were evaluated.

RESULTS

The complication rate of the LSO group was significantly higher than that of the ATPA group (30.7% vs. 0%, p = 0.033). The removal rate did not differ between the ATPA and LSO groups (97.35% vs. 99.23%, p = 0.12). The operative time was significantly shorter in the LSO group than in the ATPA group (304.3 min vs. 405.8 min, p = 0.036).

CONCLUSIONS

Although the LSO is more widely used for CPA meningiomas, ATPA is also considered for these anterior CPA meningiomas.

ICAR: endoscopic skull-base surgery

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic skull-base surgery (ESBS) is employed in the management of diverse skull-base pathologies. Paralleling the increased utilization of ESBS, the literature in this field has expanded rapidly. However, the rarity of these diseases, the inherent challenges of surgical studies, and the continued learning curve in ESBS have resulted in significant variability in the quality of the literature. To consolidate and critically appraise the available literature, experts in skull-base surgery have produced the International Consensus Statement on Endoscopic Skull-Base Surgery (ICAR:ESBS).

METHODS

Using previously described methodology, topics spanning the breadth of ESBS were identified and assigned a literature review, evidence-based review or evidence-based review with recommendations format. Subsequently, each topic was written and then reviewed by skull-base surgeons in both neurosurgery and otolaryngology. Following this iterative review process, the ICAR:ESBS document was synthesized and reviewed by all authors for consensus.

RESULTS

The ICAR:ESBS document addresses the role of ESBS in primary cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea, intradural tumors, benign skull-base and orbital pathology, sinonasal malignancies, and clival lesions. Additionally, specific challenges in ESBS including endoscopic reconstruction and complication management were evaluated.

CONCLUSION

A critical review of the literature in ESBS demonstrates at least the equivalency of ESBS with alternative approaches in pathologies such as CSF rhinorrhea and pituitary adenoma as well as improved reconstructive techniques in reducing CSF leaks. Evidence-based recommendations are limited in other pathologies and these significant knowledge gaps call upon the skull-base community to embrace these opportunities and collaboratively address these shortcomings.

Risk factors for postoperative pneumonia in patients with posterior fossa meningioma after microsurgery

OBJECTIVES

Postoperative pneumonia (POP) is one of the common complications associated with mortality and morbidity. Even so, it has received little intensive research after microsurgical removal for posterior fossa meningioma (PFM). In this study, we aimed to identify perioperative factors for POP after PFM microsurgery to risk-stratify patients and improve clinical outcomes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively review on all patients who underwent microsurgical resection (n = 321) for PFM from January 2016 to December 2018. To identify the risk factors for POP, we performed univariate and multivariate analyses successively.

RESULTS

44 (13.7%) patients were diagnosed as POP. In accordance with univariate analysis, postoperative Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score (<13; p < 0.001), tumor size (≥3cm; p < 0.001), procedure duration (≥3 h; p < 0.001), tumor located in anterior or lateral of brainstem (p < 0.001), estimated blood loss (EBL; > 1000ml; p = 0.001) and brainstem shift (p < 0.001) were associated with POP. By multivariate analysis, the first four were independent risk factors for POP. The study also revealed that POP brought about extended duration of postoperative hospitalization.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of POP following PFM microsurgery was significantly high (13.7%). Apart from tumor size (≥3cm) and procedure duration (≥3 h), GCS score (<13) and tumor located in anterior or lateral of brainstem were independent risk factors for POP. Efforts to reduce the duration of surgery, especially among the large tumors located in anterior or lateral of brainstem, may reduce POP rate and hospitalization stay.

The historical perspective in approaches to the spheno-petro-clival meningiomas

The current literature regarding surgical treatment for tumors in the sphenopetroclival (SPC) region is merely scarce. Through a comprehensive literature review, we investigated the indications, outcomes, and complications of different surgical approaches to the SPC meningiomas. Given its complicated relationship between these slow-progression tumors and some critical neurovascular structures in the SPC region, surgical treatment of these tumors faces the challenge of achieving a maximal grade of resection, while preserving patient functionality. The development of new surgical techniques and approaches in recent years have permitted the advancement in the treatment of these tumors, with acceptable rates of morbidity and mortality. The choice of a surgical approach as a treatment for the lesion depends mainly on the type of tumor extension, surgeon's preferences, and the displacement of neurovascular structures. Rather than focusing on one single strategy of treatment, the skull-base surgeon should tailor the approach based on the origin and features of the lesion; as well as the peculiarities of the surgical anatomy. This strategy aims to decrease morbidity and to optimize tumor resection and patient quality of life.

Tumor Progression Following Petroclival Meningioma Subtotal Resection: A Volumetric Study

BACKGROUND

One study has investigated postoperative growth rates following subtotal resection of petroclival meningiomas utilizing linear measurements, which are insensitive to the multidimensional complex growth of meningiomas, to estimate tumor volume.

OBJECTIVE

To describe petroclival meningioma growth patterns following less-than-complete resection utilizing volumetric analysis and to identify variables associated with tumor progression.

METHODS

Patients with surgically resected WHO grade I petroclival meningiomas were retrospectively reviewed (1999-2015). Image analysis software was utilized to perform volumetric analyses of tumor size and growth on serial MRI studies. The impact of preoperative and postoperative variables on tumor growth after subtotal resection was analyzed. An increase in tumor volume of at least 20% was defined as "tumor growth."

RESULTS

Twenty-three patients had immediate preoperative and serial postoperative MRI studies available for review. The mean preoperative tumor volume was 20.9 cm3 (range 0.4-54.6). The mean extent of resection was 75.5% (range 31.5%-100.0%). At a mean follow-up of 24.8 mo, 12 tumors (66.7%) exhibited radiological tumor growth, while 6 tumors did not change in size. The median annual volumetric growth rate was 2.82 cm3/yr (range -0.34 to 10.1). Extent of resection and immediate postoperative tumor volume were significantly correlated with the annual volumetric growth rate following resection. At last follow-up, 3 (13%) patients required further intervention.

CONCLUSION

The majority of petroclival meningiomas exhibit growth following subtotal resection. Extent of resection is strongly associated with risk for disease progression following surgery.

Clinical outcomes and survival analysis for petroclival meningioma patients receiving surgical resection: an analysis of 176 cases

Purpose: The relationship of clinical results and survival analysis of operative patients with petroclival meningioma (PCM) was studied.

Patients and methods: Data from a total of 176 PCM patients receiving surgical resection were retrospectively collected. Follow-up was conducted through outpatient review by reexamination telephone calls and letters. Clinical outcomes, survival, and Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) data were analyzed.

Results: Seventy-two percent of patients (127/176) received only surgery, 8.5% (15/176) received surgery and adjuvant radiation therapy (RT) (surgery + RT), and 19.3% (34/176) received surgery and adjuvant gamma knife surgery (GKS) (surgery + GKS). Gross total resection (GTR) was performed in 34.7% of patients (61/176), subtotal resection (STR) in 58.0% (102/176), and partial resection (PR) in 7.4% (13/176). Recent follow-up KPS was higher than preoperative (80 vs 70, P<0.05) and postoperative KPS (80 vs 70, P<0.05). Cumulative survival was the same for 3, 5, 7, and 9 years, ie, 95%, and mean survival time (MST) was (110.83±2.55) months (95% CI: 105.83–115.83). Recurrence/progression (R/P)-free survival was 88.9%, 86.9%, 71.1% and 71.1%, respectively for 3, 5, 7, and 9 years, and MST was (100.58±3.82) months (95% CI: 93.11–108.06). R/P (HR: 5.486, 95% CI: 1.655–18.180), surgery + RT (HR: 0.125, 95% CI: 0.016–0.990) and WHO grade III (HR: 2.766, 95% CI: 1.146–6.676) were independently associated with cumulative survival. Lack of adhesion to and encasement of neurovascular structures was independently associated with R/P-free survival (HR: 2.002, 95% CI: 1.023–3.919).

Conclusion: Surgical treatment was safe and effective for PCM. R/P, surgery + RT, and WHO grade III were independently associated with cumulative survival. Lack of adhesion to and encasement of neurovascular structures was independently associated with R/P-free survival. These factors should be paid attention to in surgical treatment of PCM.

Volumetric changes and clinical outcome for petroclival meningiomas after primary treatment with Gamma Knife radiosurgery

OBJECTIVEPetroclival meningiomas (PCMs) can cause devastating clinical symptoms due to mass effect on cranial nerves (CNs); thus, patients harboring these tumors need treatment. Many neurosurgeons advocate for microsurgery because removal of the tumor can provide relief or result in symptom disappearance. Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS) is often an alternative for surgery because it can cause tumor shrinkage with improvement of symptoms. This study evaluates qualitative volumetric changes of PCM after primary GKRS and its impact on clinical symptoms.METHODSThe authors performed a retrospective study of patients with PCM who underwent primary GKRS between 2003 and 2015 at the Gamma Knife Center of the Elisabeth-Tweesteden Hospital in Tilburg, the Netherlands. This study yields 53 patients. In this study the authors concentrate on qualitative volumetric tumor changes, local tumor control rate, and the effect of the treatment on trigeminal neuralgia (TN).RESULTSLocal tumor control was 98% at 5 years and 93% at 7 years (Kaplan-Meier estimates). More than 90% of the tumors showed regression in volume during the first 5 years. The mean volumetric tumor decrease was 21.2%, 27.1%, and 31% at 1, 3, and 6 years of follow-up, respectively. Improvement in TN was achieved in 61%, 67%, and 70% of the cases at 1, 2, and 3 years of follow-up, respectively. This was associated with a mean volumetric tumor decrease of 25% at the 1-year follow-up to 32% at the 3-year follow-up.CONCLUSIONSGKRS for PCMs yields a high tumor control rate with a low incidence of neurological deficits. Many patients with TN due to PCM experienced improvement in TN after radiosurgery. GKRS achieves significant volumetric tumor decrease in the first years of follow-up and thereafter.

Petroclival Meningiomas: Factors Determining the Choice of Approach

Objectives  To review a surgical series of petroclival meningiomas and the factors considered in the choice of approach. Design  Retrospective review. Setting  The study was conducted in a university hospital in southern Brazil. Participants  Twenty-two patients with petroclival meningioma originating from the upper two-thirds of the clivus medial to the fifth cranial nerve. Main Outcome Measures  Gross-total resection, mortality, major morbidity, new cranial nerve deficits and tumor progression or recurrence. Results  Retrosigmoid approach was used in tumors <3 cm and in those at or below the internal auditory meatus. Posterior petrosectomy was performed for tumors extending into the middle fossa. Gross-total resection was performed in 11 patients (50%). The mean follow-up time was 32 months (6-75 months). There were four cases of tumor progression or recurrence, which were treated with radiosurgery. Conclusions  Resection of petroclival meningiomas remains challenging. In most cases, the retrosigmoid approach was sufficient, without affecting the degree of tumor resection. Petrosal approaches were reserved for patients with tumor extension into the middle fossa.

Gamma Knife Radiosurgery for Petroclival Meningioma: Long-Term Outcome and Failure Pattern

Total removal of petroclival meningioma is difficult, and aggressive extirpation is often associated with significant surgical morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term outcome and failure pattern of treatment with Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS) in patients with petroclival meningiomas. Eighty-nine consecutive patients with petroclival meningiomas underwent GKRS between 1998 and 2013. Fifty-eight patients received GKRS as a primary treatment and 31 patients underwent GKRS as a secondary treatment after microsurgery. The mean tumor volume was 6.7 cm3 (range, 0.5-46.3 cm3) and the mean marginal dose was 13.2 Gy (range, 8-17 Gy). At the last radiological follow-up, tumor volume was decreased in 50 patients (56.2%), stationary in 34 patients (38.2%), and increased in 5 patients (5.6%). The actuarial progression-free survival after GKRS was 94.7% at 5 years and 88.9% at 10 years. Favorable cranial nerve outcomes were found in 81 patients (91%). A regrowth pattern was present in all 4 patients of the primary treatment group, whereas cyst formation (3 patients) and regrowth (1 patient) were observed in the secondary treatment group. GKRS is an effective and reasonable option as a primary or secondary treatment for petroclival meningioma. Further studies of failure patterns after GKRS for petroclival meningioma are mandatory.

Pediatric infratentorial meningiomas: a series of 19 cases and review of the literature

PURPOSE

Pediatric infratentorial meningiomas are extremely rare. In this article, we present a series of 19 cases operated at our institution in the last 8 years.

METHODS

During the 8-year period from January 2008 to December 2015, we encountered 21 cases suffered from infratentorial meningiomas. Two patients were excluded. The clinical profiles, radiological features, surgical procedures, intraoperative findings, and outcomes were extracted from the patient records and neuroimaging data.

RESULTS

The 19 cases with pediatric infratentorial meningiomas account for about 12.8% of all pediatric intracranial meningiomas. The age distribution of the patients ranged from 7 to 18 years. There were 9 male and 10 female patients. Cranial nerve defects were the first common signs and symptoms found in most cases (n = 14). One meningioma localized in cerebellum, one originated in jugular foramen. Meningioma involving internal auditory canal was only seen in one of the six patients with CPA meningioma. One tumor was totally ossified. In all, total resection was achieved in 14 patients, subtotal resection in 5 patients. Gamma knife was used for the recurrent and subtotally resected tumors. Conventional radiotherapy was applied for high-grade meningiomas (WHO grade II and WHO grade III).

CONCLUSION

Pediatric infratentorial meningiomas are different from supratentorial ones in many aspects, such as onset age, gender ratio, and neuroradiological characteristics. Surgical excision is challenging. According to the locations of tumors, different surgical approaches would be chosen to maximally resect the lesions without damage to brain stem and cranial nerves. Gamma knife and conventional radiotherapy could be used as postoperative adjuvant therapies. Long-term clinical follow-up and serial imaging are recommended.

Petroclival meningiomas: Remaining controversies in light of minimally invasive approaches

Surgical resection of petroclival meningiomas remains challenging due to their deep location and relationship to vital neurovascular structures. Although the natural history of these tumors involves a slow course, the incidence of cranial nerve deficits and the extent of tumor resection vary widely in the literature. Some reviews on this topic have been conducted, but data remain fragmentary and based on retrospective case series, which hinders attempts at meta-analysis. Within this context, research into the use of minimally invasive approaches, including in neuroendoscopy, continues to emerge. The objective of this narrative review is to analyze the available literature on the surgical treatment of petroclival meningiomas, with a focus on attempts at endoscopy-assisted resection.

Microsurgical management of primary jugular foramen meningiomas: a series of 22 cases and review of the literature

This study summarized clinical manifestations, surgical management, histological grading, and long-term outcome of jugular foramen meningiomas (JFMs). Retrospective study was performed in 22 consecutive patients with primary JFMs from January 2004 to October 2010, enrolling 10 men and 12 women with average age of 39.4 (14-57 years). The most common initial symptom is hearing disorder, followed by lower cranial nerve dysfunctions. The tumor was classified into type I (intracranial) in 1, type II (intracranial) in 15, type IV (intracranial-extracranial) in 6, and none type III (extracranial). Surgical approaches mainly included retrosigmoid in 7, far lateral in 10, and juxtacondylar in 5, with some variations. The gross total resection was achieved in 15 cases and subtotal resection in 7. Fourteen patients (63.6 %) developed new or worse neurological deficits immediately after operation, of whom 11 (78.6 %) got alleviation. Postoperatively, keeping airway patency and prevention from aspiration pneumonia is very important. Nasotracheal intubation is much more tolerated than orotracheal intubation for postoperative patient management. WHO grade 2 was found in four cases (18.2 %) and grade 3 in one. During the average time of follow-up in 83.2 months, only one (grade 3) died of tumor regrowth 20 months after surgery and radiosurgery. Five of 17 patients of grade 1 developed tumor regrowth. Radiosurgery provides a good tumor control for tumor regrowth in grade 1, or postoperative grade 2 tumor. In conclusion, JFMs has a favorable long-term overall survival; however, neurological preservation is still challenging, especially low cranial nerves.

Surgical management of medium and large petroclival meningiomas: a single institution's experience of 199 cases with long-term follow-up

BACKGROUND

Petroclival meningiomas (PCMs) were once regarded as 'inoperable' due to their complex anatomy and limited surgical exposure. This study aimed to evaluate the long-term outcomes of surgically treated PCMs larger than 2 cm.

METHODS

A series of 199 consecutive patients (137 females, 68.8 %) with PCMs larger than 2 cm from between 1993 and 2003 were included. The clinical charts, radiographs, and follow-ups were evaluated.

RESULTS

Gross total resection (GTR) was achieved in 111 (55.8 %) patients, subtotal resection (STR) in 65, and partial resection (PR) in 23. Cranial nerve dysfunctions were the most common complications and occurred in 133 (66.8 %) cases. The surgical mortality was 2.0 %. The Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) scores significantly decreased 1 month after the operations (preoperative KPS = 76.8 and postoperative KPS = 64.8; p = 0.011, Paired-samples t test). Long-term follow-ups were obtained in 142 patients, the follow-up duration was 171.6 months, and the most recent KPS was 83.2. Permanent morbidities remained in 24 patients (18.9 %). Multivariate analysis revealed that brainstem edema and tumors larger than 4 cm in diameter were independent risk factors in terms of outcomes (KPS < 80). The recurrence/progression rates were 14.5, 31.8, and 53.3 % for the GTR, STR, and PR cases, respectively (p = 0.002, Pearson χ (2) test). Gamma Knife radiosurgery for the remnants exhibited good tumor control.

CONCLUSIONS

Favorable outcomes and low mortality were achieved with the microsurgical management of medium and large PCMs; however, the rates of cranial nerves dysfunction remained high. Radically aggressive resection might not be judicious in terms of postoperative morbidity. The preoperative evaluations and intraoperative findings were informative regarding the outcomes. The low follow-up rate likely compromised our findings, and additional consecutive studies were required.

Recurrent petroclival meningiomas: clinical characteristics, management, and outcomes

This study seeks to elucidate the prognostic predictors and outcomes of recurrent/progressive petroclival meningiomas (PCMs). We reviewed our cohort of 39 recurrent/progressive PCMs (27 females, 69.2%) and analyzed the results from the literature. Twenty-three patients underwent reoperations, 2 received radiotherapy alone, and 14 declined any treatment. During a follow-up of 70.4 months, 7 patients experienced a 2nd recurrence/progression (R/P) and 18 patients died. In the 23 patients, gross total resection (GTR), subtotal resection (STR), and partial resection (PR) were achieved in 8, 8, and 7 patients, respectively. The percentage of the 2nd R/P-free survival of GTR, STR, and PR was 88%, 67%, and 40%, respectively. The overall survival following the 1st R/P of GTR, STR, and PR was 88%, 63%, and 33%, respectively. Patients rejecting treatment suffered from significantly poor overall survival (7%; p = 0.001) and short survival duration (42.0 months; p = 0.016) compared with that of the patients receiving treatment (67% and 86.9 months). The GTR was the only independent favorable predictor. In the 21 included studies with 98 recurrent/progressive PCM patients, 17 patients presented with a 2nd R/P and 10 died of a 2nd R/P; patients undergoing observation had a significantly poor tumor regrowth control rate compared with patients undergoing surgery (p = 0.004) or radiotherapy alone (p < 0.001). Proactive treatment should be performed for patients with recurrent/progressive PCMs. Observation can lead to relentless outcome. GTR as a preferential therapeutic strategy should be pursued as far as possible on the condition of minimal functional impairment.