Operative management of brainstem hemangioblastomas

Treatment Strategy for Giant Solid Hemangioblastomas in the Posterior Fossa: A Retrospective Review of 13 Consecutive Cases

OBJECTIVE

To analyze radiologic characteristics, treatment strategy, and treatment outcomes of posterior fossa giant solid hemangioblastomas (GSHBs; ≥4 cm in maximum diameter).

METHODS

We performed a retrospective study of 13 consecutive patients (9 male and 4 female patients; mean age, 57.5 ± 13.3 years; range, 24-76 years) with GSHB who underwent surgical resection at a single institution between 2002 and 2018. The median follow-up was 33 months (range, 12-120 months). For each patient, neuroimaging findings, operative record, and treatment outcome were reviewed.

RESULTS

Seven tumors (53.8%) were located within cerebellar hemispheres, 4 (30.8%) in proximity to the brainstem, 1 (7.7%) within the cerebellar vermis, and 1 (7.7%) in the cerebellopontine angle. The mean maximum diameter was 4.8 ± 0.8 cm (range, 4.0-6.7 cm). Gross total resection was achieved in 11 patients (84.6%), and near-total resection in 2 patients (15.4%). Surgical complications occurred in 5 patients (38.5%); persistent neurologic deficits occurred in 2 patients (15.4%). Estimated progression-free survival after surgery was 92.3%, 80.8%, and 80.8% at 1, 5, and 10 years, respectively, whereas the estimated 1-year, 5-year, and 10-year overall survival was 100%, 90%, and 90%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

GSHBs are surgically challenging. The current study shows that favorable outcome can be achieved for GSHBs in the cerebellar hemispheres and vermis. For those involving the brainstem, planned near-total resection or subtotal resection in a piecemeal fashion can be attempted if en bloc resection is judged to be infeasible, and further intervention can be considered as needed.

Surgical management and outcome of adult posterior cranial fossa and spinal hemangioblastoma: a 6-case series and literature review

OBJECTIVE

Hemangioblastomas of the posterior cranial fossa and spinal cord in adults are excessively vascularized, well-differentiated, and scarce tumors with no metastatic potential. This paper discusses its surgical management and outcome, pointing out their morphological, radiological, and histopathological aspects. This report based on a personal series of six patients and on a literature review.

METHODS

A single-institution personal 6-case series of adult patients diagnosed and operated on by a senior neurosurgeon (KIA) due to posterior cranial fossa or spinal cord hemangioblastoma was analyzed. For easier understanding of hemangioblastoma, we have classified them into four different types.

RESULTS

The tumors, which were all surgically treated, were located in the posterior cranial fossa in five patients (4 cerebellar, 1 brain stem) and intramedullary in the thoracic spinal cord in one patient. All patients successfully recovered neurologically after a complete tumor resection, having no post-operative neurological deficit or other complications.

CONCLUSION

Surgical management of cerebellar and spinal cord hemangioblastoma in adults is highly dependent on its morphological features, as well as on microsurgical technique applied. Since huge differences exist between the cystic/nodular tumor type (Type 1) and the solid type and its two additional variants (Types 2-4), morphology is the most important consideration when deciding surgical approach. Despite significant morphological differences among different subtypes of hemangioblastomas, their histology appears to be relatively similar. Nonetheless, a meticulous and refined surgical technique has to be utilized to achieve a successful outcome.

Safety and efficacy of surgical treatment for brainstem hemangioblastoma: a meta-analysis

Brainstem hemangioblastomas are benign, highly vascular tumors located in the mesencephalon, pons, and medulla oblongata. Although surgical resection is currently considered the main therapeutic option for symptomatic lesions, evidence supporting the application of microsurgery has not been systematically assessed. This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of surgical treatment for brainstem hemangioblastomas. A comprehensive search of the PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases was performed to identify all English language publications reporting the outcomes of surgical treatment for brainstem hemangioblastomas. Studies from January 1990 to July 2019 with ≥ 10 cases were included. We analyzed the surgical outcomes, including gross total resection, mortality, neurological morbidity, and functional outcome according to the McCormick Scale or Karnofsky Performance Scale. Thirteen studies with 473 cases were included. The pooled proportion of gross total resection was 98% (95% confidence interval (CI), 94-100%). Overall mortality and neurological morbidity were 4 (95% CI, 2-6%) and 13% (95% CI, 7-20%), respectively. Favorable functional outcomes at the last follow-up were achieved in 85% (95% CI, 78-92%) of all patients. Improved or stable functional outcomes at long-term follow-up were achieved in 94% (95% CI, 89-97%) of patients. This meta-analysis revealed that surgical treatment for brainstem hemangioblastomas is technically feasible and effective with lasting patient benefits and cure.

Hemangioblastoma of the pons and middle cerebellar peduncle

A 60-year-old man with a history of four prior operations for a left cerebellar/middle cerebellar peduncle hemangioblastoma presented with hearing loss, imbalance, and ataxia (de la Monte and Horowitz, 1989). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated a 3-cm cystic mass with heterogeneous enhancement in the same location. We resected the mass via reopening of the retrosigmoid approach (Lee et al., 2014). Left cranial nerves IV, V, VII, VIII, IX, X, and XI were all well identified and preserved, and feeding arteries from the brainstem were meticulously coagulated and transected without violating the tumor-brainstem interface (Chen et al., 2013). Preoperative embolization greatly aided safe resection of the mass, whose pathology revealed recurrence of hemangioblastoma (Eskridge et al., 1996; Kim et al., 2006; Sakamoto et al., 2012).

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Hemangioblastoma of Cerebral Aqueduct Removed via Sitting, Supracerebellar Intracollicular Approach

BACKGROUND

Tumors protruding into the cerebral aqueduct are rare, and tumors arising from within the cerebral aqueduct are rarer still.

CASE DESCRIPTION

In this report, we discuss the presentation and clinical outcome of a 65-year-old man who presented to us with symptoms of hydrocephalus. Prior imaging had revealed a small enhancing nodule within the cerebral aqueduct. In the 6 months between initial imaging and our seeing the patient, the tumor demonstrated substantial interval growth, so the patient was offered resection. The tumor was accessed using a sitting, supracerebellar, intracollicular approach, which allowed for gross total resection of the mass without complication. Histopathology later revealed the lesion to be a hemangioblastoma. Two years after surgery, the patient was doing well with no neurologic deficits.

CONCLUSIONS

We report the first case of an aqueductal hemangioblastoma and describe our use of a sitting, supracerebellar, intracollicular approach to access tumors occupying this cerebrospinal fluid space.

Assessment of care pattern and outcome in hemangioblastoma

Due to its rarity, current literature assessing prognostic factors and survival outcomes of hemangioblastoma is limited. Patients with histologically confirmed hemangioblastoma were identified from the US National Cancer Data Base. 1488 patients met inclusion criteria. 644 patients underwent gross total resection (GTR), 220 subtotal resection (STR)/biopsy, 60 stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), 15 external beam radiotherapy (EBRT), 51 surgery followed by radiotherapy (SR + RT) and 498 no treatment. Independent predictors of shorter OS included age ≥ 40 (HR, 3.897; 95% CI, 2.341-6.487; p < 0.001), Charlson-Deyo score ≥ 1(HR, 1.756; 95% CI, 1.213-2.544; p = 0.003), tumor location in the brainstem (HR, 1.955; 95% CI, 1.129-3. 384; p = 0.017) compared to cerebellum, no treatment (HR, 2530; 95% CI, 1.533-4.177; p < 0.001) and receipt of EBRT (HR, 2.860; 95% CI, 1.073-7.618; p = 0.036) compared to STR/biopsy. GTR was associated with longer OS (HR 0.617; 95% CI, 0.391-0.974; p = 0.038), while SRS had comparable OS to STR/biopsy. The overall trend of OS by treatment modality was consistent after matching to age- and sex-matched US population data. In patients younger than 40 years, treatment was not a significant predictor of OS. In conclusion, GTR remained the optimal treatment for hemangioblastoma. SRS may perform similarly to surgery alone. Treatment was not a significant predictor of survival in younger patients.

Hemangioblastomas of the Posterior Cranial Fossa in Adults: Demographics, Clinical, Morphologic, Pathologic, Surgical Features, and Outcomes. A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Posterior cranial fossa (PCF) hemangioblastomas are benign, highly vascularized, and well-differentiated tumors with well-described histopathologic features. Although relatively rare, this tumor is the most prevalent primary tumor of the cerebellum in adults.

OBJECTIVE

Because the demographics of patients with such a tumor (as well as the clinical, morphologic, pathologic, surgical features, and outcomes) are not fully understood, we systematized characteristic patient and tumor features.

METHODS

We undertook a systematic review of the English-language literature in PubMed for PCF hemangioblastomas in adults published in the past 31 years. We analyzed geographic distribution and year of publication of articles; demographic data of patients; presenting symptoms and clinical signs; tumor location and morphology; histopathologic features, extent of tumor resection, perioperative blood loss, and postoperative complications; length of hospital stay; and outcomes.

RESULTS

We reviewed 207 articles describing 1759 infratentorial hemangioblastomas in a cohort of 1515 adult patients. We found female predominance in patients with Von Hippel-Lindau disease (VHLD) compared with male predominance in the general patient group. Symptoms of intracranial hypertension were more common in the VHLD group compared with the general group of patients. The cerebellar location was more common in the VHLD group and solid (parenchymatous) tumor was the most common type. Most patients underwent total resection but rate of resection did not differ between the general and VHLD groups. Most patients had a favorable outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

The literature of adult PCF hemangioblastomas is limited and general surgical experience with such tumors is scarce because of their rarity. Rates of postoperative complications and mortality remain higher than expected. However, prognosis and surgical outcomes are generally favorable. Nevertheless, surgery of adult PCF hemangioblastomas is a demanding and challenging task.

Usefulness of high-resolution 3D multifusion medical imaging for preoperative planning in patients with posterior fossa hemangioblastoma: technical note

Successful resection of hemangioblastoma depends on preoperative assessment of the precise locations of feeding arteries and draining veins. Simultaneous 3D visualization of feeding arteries, draining veins, and surrounding structures is needed. The present study evaluated the usefulness of high-resolution 3D multifusion medical imaging (hr-3DMMI) for preoperative planning of hemangioblastoma. The hr-3DMMI combined MRI, MR angiography, thin-slice CT, and 3D rotated angiography. Surface rendering was mainly used for the creation of hr-3DMMI using multiple thresholds to create 3D models, and processing took approximately 3–5 hours. This hr-3DMMI technique was used in 5 patients for preoperative planning and the imaging findings were compared with the operative findings. Hr-3DMMI could simulate the whole 3D tumor as a unique sphere and show the precise penetration points of both feeding arteries and draining veins with the same spatial relationships as the original tumor. All feeding arteries and draining veins were found intraoperatively at the same position as estimated preoperatively, and were occluded as planned preoperatively. This hr-3DMMI technique could demonstrate the precise locations of feeding arteries and draining veins preoperatively and estimate the appropriate route for resection of the tumor. Hr-3DMMI is expected to be a very useful support tool for surgery of hemangioblastoma.

Safety and outcomes of preoperative embolization of intracranial hemangioblastomas: A systematic review

INTRODUCTION

While preoperative embolization is often reserved for large and highly vascular tumors in order to minimize blood loss, its safety and efficacy in the treatment of hemangioblastomas (HB) is unclear. We present the largest systematic review focusing on the safety and outcome of preoperative embolization of intracranial HB.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To identify all cases of preoperative embolization for HB, a literature search was conducted via Medline (OVID and PubMed), Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science. Studies that were in English, included intracranial hemangioblastomas treated with preoperative embolization and provided sufficient disaggregated clinical data for each patient were included. Historical control patients with non-embolized intracranial HB undergoing resection were similarly identified.

RESULTS

A total of 111 patients that underwent preoperative embolization of HB prior to planned resection were identified. Patient age ranged from 12 to 72 years, with a cohort of 63% males and 36% females. Nine studies comprising 392 non-embolized patients were included as controls. Gross total resection was achieved in 83.7% of embolized and 95.6% of non-embolized patients. Intraoperative blood transfusion was required in 15.3% of embolized and 0.51% of non-embolized controls, while rates of post-operative hemorrhage were 8.4% and 1.6%, respectively. Complication rates from embolization were 11.7% and following consequent surgery were 20.7%.

DISCUSSION

Embolization did not increase rates of gross total resection, decrease estimated blood loss, or decrease incidence of complications. Not only does embolization fail to mitigate surgical risks, the embolization procedure itself carries significant risk for complications. Embolization should not be standard of care for intracranial HB.

Neurosurgical Management of Brainstem Hemangioblastomas: A Single-Institution Experience with 116 Patients

OBJECTIVE

Brainstem hemangioblastomas (HBs) are considered one of the most challenging lesions in surgical procedures. We present our institutional experience with 116 patients over a period of 20 years in the treatment of HBs.

METHODS

We evaluated the results of microsurgical treatment and highlighted the management strategies. There were 60 male and 56 female patients including 13 cases with clinical evidence of von Hippel-Lindau disease. Tumors were solid in 99 cases and cystic in 17 cases. Tumors were small (≤2 cm) in 43 cases, large (2-4 cm) in 45 cases, and giant (≥4 cm) in 28 cases.

RESULTS

Radical removal was achieved in 111 patients (95.7%), and incomplete removal was achieved in 5 cases (4.3%). The immediate postoperative mortality and morbidity were 7.8% and 17.2%, respectively. Detailed analyses of outcomes showed that surgical complications were related to some tumor characteristics. Follow-up study was available in 83 patients by Karnofsky performance scale scores. Most patients maintained their preoperative neurologic status. There were 17 patients with surgical disability who demonstrated a clear improvement with rehabilitation treatment. Worsening of neurologic deficits occurred in 2 patients. Ectopic recurrent lesions developed in 2 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on our experience, microsurgery is safe and effective, and excellent outcomes can be obtained for cystic or small tumors. We advocate early surgical intervention for sporadic HBs; giant solid HBs remain a challenge, and meticulous microsurgical technique and perioperative management are vital. Long-term monitoring also is recommended.