Spinal meningiomas: is Simpson grade II resection radical enough?

Short-Term Results of Simpson Grade 2 Resection in Spinal Meningiomas

BACKGROUND

Spinal meningiomas are benign and slow-growing intradural tumors. Surgery is the choice of treatment. In this retrospective study, results of minimally invasive Simpson grade 2 resection and its impact on recurrence in 44 spinal meningiomas are reviewed.

METHODS

Clinical data of 44 cases who underwent surgery for spinal meningiomas between 2010 and 2020 have been reviewed retrospectively. Demographics, preoperative and postoperative clinical states, pathologic type, location of the meningioma relative to the spinal cord, resection amount of the tumor according to Simpson's grading scale, postoperative complications, recurrence rate, and correlation between preoperative and intraoperative data and recurrence were analyzed.

RESULTS

The tumor was located in the thoracic spine in 31 cases, in the cervical spine in 12 cases, and in the lumbar spine in one case. Dural attachment of tumor was ventral to the spinal cord in 15 cases, lateral to the spinal cord in 15 cases, and posterior to the spinal cord in 14 cases. All cases underwent microsurgical Simpson grade 2 resection. Two cases were recurrent and reoperated. Recurrences were observed in cases younger than 18 years old, in cervical spines and in cases with long dural tails.

CONCLUSIONS

Simpson grade 2 resection is safe and effective in spinal meningiomas. Patients younger than 18 year old, and those with cervical location and long dural tail may be under risk of recurrence after Simpson grade 2 resection.

Current Knowledge on Spinal Meningiomas-Surgical Treatment, Complications, and Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (Part 2)

Background: Most of the knowledge on spinal meningiomas is extrapolated from their intracranial counterparts, even though they are considered separate entities. This review aimed to systematically summarize studies covering different aspects of spinal meningiomas and their management. Methods: Databases were searched for all studies concerning spinal meningiomas dating from 2000 and onwards. When possible, a meta-analysis was performed. Results: Neurological outcomes of surgery were consistently favorable across studies, with a complication rate of 7.9% and 78.9% of the patients demonstrating good postoperative neurological function (McCormick score 1−2). The most relevant predictors of unfavorable outcomes were poor preoperative status, longer time from diagnosis to surgery, and surgery of recurrent tumors. The recurrence rate after surgery was estimated at 6%. Meta-analysis and/or survival analysis revealed that higher WHO grade (p < 0.001), higher Simpson grade (p < 0.001), ventral tumor location (p = 0.02), and male sex (p = 0.014) were all associated with higher odds of recurrence. However, the meta-analysis did not show any difference between Simpson grade 1 and grade 2 with respect to the odds of recurrence (p = 0.94). Surgery provided immediate and durable health-related quality-of-life improvement, as well as a high frequency of return to work. Conclusion: Spinal meningioma surgery is a relatively safe procedure with a low risk of tumor recurrence and high likelihood of favorable postoperative outcomes.

Multiple ossified spinal meningiomas in the thoracic spine: A case report and literature review

Background

Ossified spinal meningioma (OSM) is a rare form of a spinal tumor. The surgical strategies and pathologic findings related to OSM have been investigated in recent years. However, multiple OSMs are rarely reported. Here, we intend to present a rare case of multiple OSMs and review the relevant published literature.

Case Presentation

A 76-year-old woman experienced a progressive sensorimotor disturbance in her bilateral lower limbs for the past 2 years. She complained of inability to walk, urinary incontinence, and chronic constipation when referred to our hospital. A neurological examination revealed a diminished sensation below the bilateral T7, and her neurological status was Nurick Grade 6. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed multiple intradural-extramedullary neoplasms at the T7-T11 level. Computed tomography (CT) scans showed five high-density masses of varying sizes in the spinal canal at the T7-T12 level. The patient underwent tumor resection through T7-T11 laminectomy. A histopathological examination revealed multiple OSMs.

Conclusion

We reported a rare case of multiple OSMs in an elderly patient. After one-stage complete resection, the patient recovered with satisfactory curative effect. Although elderly patients will face various postoperative complications due to their poor physical condition, we still recommend one-stage complete resection of multiple OSMs to reduce recurrence.

Current knowledge on spinal meningiomas: a systematic review protocol

INTRODUCTION

Meningiomas are primary central nervous system tumours that arise from both cranial and spinal meninges. Spinal meningiomas occur less frequently than their cranial counterparts and are consequently given less attention in the literature. Therefore, systematic studies are needed to summarise the current knowledge on spinal meningiomas, providing a solid evidence base for treatment strategies. This systematic review of the literature will therefore assess studies describing spinal meningiomas, their epidemiology, diagnostics, treatment and outcomes.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

Electronic databases, including PubMed, Web of Science and Embase, will be searched using the keywords "spinal" and "meningioma". The search will be set to provide only English studies published after 2000 to avoid any conflicts regarding terminology and classification, as well as to reflect the current status. Case reports, editorials, letters and reviews will also be excluded. Reference lists of relevant records will also be searched. Identified studies will be screened for inclusion, by one reviewer in a first step and then three in the next step to decrease the risk of bias. The results will be categorised to allow for a structured summary of the outcomes and their evidence grade conforming to the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach. Categories may include: epidemiology, histopathology, radiological diagnostics, surgery, complications, non-surgical or adjuvant treatments, disease outcomes and predictors, and lastly recurrence. This review will summarise the current knowledge on spinal meningiomas to allow for a better understanding of the disease and contribute to improve its management. For clinicians, the systematic collection and grading of available evidence may aid in decision making and for those seeking to further the scientific field, this review may help to identify areas where knowledge is currently lacking.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethics approval was not required for our systematic review as it is based on existing publications. The results will be disseminated via submission for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

Health-Related Quality of Life and Return to Work after Surgery for Spinal Meningioma: A Population-Based Cohort Study

Simple Summary

Spinal meningioma is the most common primary intradural spinal tumor. Although histologically benign, the tumors often cause neurological deficits. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is defined as the aspects of quality of life which are most affected by ill health and is a measure of self-perceived health status. Despite many studies evaluating the neurological outcome after surgery for spinal meningiomas, no study has been concerned with the HRQoL and frequency of return to work. In this population-based cohort study, we reviewed 84 cases of surgically treated spinal meningiomas, with a mean follow-up of 8.7 years, to assess their HRQoL compared to a sample of the general population. We found that HRQoL after surgery was equal to the normal population, and the frequency of return to work was 100%, often within three months of surgery. Thus, surgical treatment of spinal meningiomas should not be considered a threat to long-term quality of life.

Abstract

Spinal meningiomas are the most common primary spinal intradural tumor. This study aimed to assess Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and the frequency of return to work in patients surgically treated for spinal meningiomas, in comparison to the general population. Variables were collected from patient charts, EQ-5D-3L, and study specific questionnaires. Patients who had been operated between 2005–2017 were identified in a previous study and those alive in 2020 (104 of 129) were asked to participate. Eighty-four patients (80.8%) with a mean follow-up of 8.7 years, responded and were included. Data was compared to the Stockholm Public Health Survey 2006, a cross-sectional survey of a representative sample of the general population. Analysis for potential non-response bias showed no significant differences. Women in the meningioma sample scored more problems than men with regards to mobility (p = 0.048). There were no significant differences concerning EQ-5D_index (p = 0.325) or EQ_VAS (p = 0.116). The correlation between follow-up time and EQ-5D_index was low (r = 0.167). When comparing HRQoL to the general population sample, no significant differences were found within the EQ-5D-3L dimensions, EQ-5D_index or EQVAS. Those who postoperatively scored 3–5 on mMCs scored significantly more problems in the EQ-5D-3L dimension mobility (p = 0.023). Before surgery, 41 (48.8%) of the spinal meningioma patients were working and after surgery all returned to work, the majority within three months. Seventy-eight (96%) of the patients would accept surgery for the same diagnosis if asked today. We conclude that surgery for spinal meningiomas is associated with good long-term HRQoL and a high frequency of return to work.

Long-Term Follow-Up and Predictors of Functional Outcome after Surgery for Spinal Meningiomas: A Population-Based Cohort Study

Simple Summary

Spinal meningiomas are the most common adult primary intradural spinal tumors. While mostly benign, they may give rise to spinal cord compression with acute or chronic neurologic dysfunction. The primary treatment is surgical resection. Previous studies, limited by small sample sizes and short follow-up times, report that histopathological grade, tumor localization and size affect outcomes following surgery. In this population-based cohort study, we retrospectively reviewed 129 cases of surgically treated spinal meningiomas to assess postoperative complications, long-term clinical and radiological outcomes, predictors of neurological improvement and potential differences between elderly and non-elderly patients. Our median follow-up time was 8.2 years. We found that surgery was associated with significant neurological improvement. There was no significant difference in postoperative complications, tumor control or neurological improvement between elderly and non-elderly. Shorter time from diagnosis to surgery, larger tumor size and spinal cord compression predicted postoperative outcomes.

Abstract

Spinal meningiomas are the most common adult primary spinal tumor, constituting 24–45% of spinal intradural tumors and 2% of all meningiomas. The aim of this study was to assess postoperative complications, long-term outcomes, predictors of functional improvement and differences between elderly (≥70 years) and non-elderly (18–69 years) patients surgically treated for spinal meningiomas. Variables were retrospectively collected from patient charts and magnetic resonance images. Baseline comparisons, paired testing and regression analyses were used. In conclusion, 129 patients were included, with a median follow-up time of 8.2 years. Motor deficit was the most common presenting symptom (66%). The median time between diagnosis and surgery was 1.3 months. A postoperative complication occurred in 10 (7.8%) and tumor growth or recurrence in 6 (4.7%) patients. Surgery was associated with significant improvement of motor and sensory deficit, gait disturbance, bladder dysfunction and pain. Time to surgery, tumor area and the degree of spinal cord compression significantly predicted postoperative improvement in a modified McCormick scale (mMCs) in the univariable regression analysis, and spinal cord compression showed independent risk association in multivariable analysis. There was no difference in improvement, complications or tumor control between elderly and non-elderly patients. We concluded that surgery of spinal meningiomas was associated with significant long-term neurological improvement, which could be predicted by time to surgery, tumor size and spinal cord compression.

Clinical features and prognostic factors in spinal meningioma surgery from a multicenter study

Meningiomas are benign tumors that are treated surgically. Local recurrence is likely if the dura is preserved, and en bloc tumor and dura resection (Simpson grade I) is recommended. In some cases the dura is cauterized and preserved after tumor resection (Simpson grade II). The purpose of this study was performed to analyze clinical features and prognostic factors associated with spinal meningioma, and to identify the most effective surgical treatment. The subjects were 116 patients (22 males, 94 females) with spinal meningioma who underwent surgery at seven NSG centers between 1998 and 2018. Clinical data were collected from the NSG database. Pre- and postoperative neurological status was defined using the modified McCormick scale. The patients had a mean age of 61.2 ± 14.8 years (range 19–91 years) and mean symptom duration of 11.3 ± 14.7 months (range 1–93 months). Complete resection was achieved in 108 cases (94%), including 29 Simpson grade I and 79 Simpson grade II resections. The mean follow-up period was 84.8 ± 52.7 months. At the last follow-up, neurological function had improved in 73 patients (63%), was stable in 34 (29%), and had worsened in 9 (8%). Eight patients had recurrence, and recurrence rates did not differ significantly between Simpson grades I and II in initial surgery. Kaplan–Meier analysis of recurrence-free survival showed that Simpson grade III or IV, male, and dural tail sign were significant factors associated with recurrence (P < 0.05). In conclusion, Simpson I resection is anatomically favorable for spinal meningiomas. Younger male patients with a dural tail and a high-grade tumor require close follow-up. The tumor location and feasibility of surgery can affect the surgical morbidity in Simpson I or II resection. All patients should be carefully monitored for long-term outcomes, and we recommend lifelong surveillance after surgery.

Correlations between preoperative clinical factors and treatment outcome of spinal meningiomas - A retrospective study of a series of 31 cases

Background:

The purpose of the current study is to identify the correlations between the most important preoperative clinical factors and the outcome of surgery of spinal meningiomas (SM).

Methods:

We performed a retrospective analysis of the medical history, clinical, paraclinical, neuroimaging, and surgical protocol data in 31 patients with SM who underwent surgical resection at our institution from January 2011 to July 2020. The degree of resection was assessed on the Simpson scale. The modified McCormick scale was used to monitor the effect and outcome of treatment at admission, discharge, and at further follow-up.

Results:

The average age of the patients was 65 years (37-78). Vertebral pain and motor deficits were the most common initial symptoms that occurred in 26 (89.6%) and 29 (93.5%) patients, respectively. Sphincter disorders were found in 9 (29%) patients. Total resection (Simpson Grade I – II) was achieved in 29 patients (93.5%). We achieved a favorable outcome (McCormick Gr. I to III) in 93.3% of patients. The degree of the neurological deficit (P = 0.026) and the presence of sphincter disorders (P = 0.009) were the preoperative clinical factors that most significantly correlated with the outcome of treatment.

Conclusion:

The outcome from the surgical treatment of SM correlated significantly with the degree of the preoperative neurological deficit. Therefore, patients presenting with more severe symptoms are expected to have worse outcomes.

Functional outcome and morbidity after microsurgical resection of spinal meningiomas

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate functional outcome, surgical morbidity, and factors that affect outcomes of surgically treated patients.

METHODS

The authors retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent microsurgical resection for spinal meningiomas between 2009 and 2020. Patient data and potential variables were collected and evaluated consecutively. Functional outcomes were evaluated using univariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

A total of 119 patients underwent microsurgical resection of spinal meningioma within the study period. After a mean follow-up of 25.4 ± 37.1 months, the rates of overall complication, tumor recurrence, and poor functional outcome were 9.2%, 7.6%, and 5%, respectively. Age, sex, revision surgery, and tumor recurrence were identified as independent predictors of poor functional outcome. Obesity and surgeon's experience had an impact on the complication rate, whereas extent of resection and tumor calcification affected the rate of tumor recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

Microsurgical resection of spinal meningiomas remains safe. Nevertheless, some aspects, such as obesity and experience of the surgeons that result in a higher complication rate and ultimately affect clinical outcome, should be considered when performing surgery.