Surgical Management of Complex Skull Base Tumor Using Preoperative Multimodal Image Fusion Technology

OBJECTIVE

To review our single-institution experience in the surgical management of complex skull base tumors using multimodal image fusion technology.

METHODS

From October 2019 to January 2022, 7 cases of complex skull base tumors that performed preoperative multimodal image fusion in Zhuhai People's Hospital neurosurgery department were involved in this study. The image data were uploaded to the GE AW workstation. Corresponding image sequences were opened in the workstation to complete registration fusion and 3D reconstruction. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical and imaging data, and surgical strategy, respectively.

RESULTS

one case of recurrent C2 schwannoma, 1 case of recurrent spindle cell tumor of the left cranio-orbital communication, 1 case of lobular malignant tumor of the left infratemporal fossa, 1 case of central giant cell repairing granuloma, 1 case of mesenchymal malignant tumor in left pharyngeal process, 1 case of meningioma in jugular foramen, and 1 case of hemangioblastoma with vascular malformation in fourth ventricular. All cases underwent preoperative multimodal image fusion for the surgical plan and all cases had gross total resection. Except for one case of mesenchymal malignant tumor in left pharyngeal process that had dysphagia and one case of hemangioblastoma that had discoordination, others cases were without postoperative complication.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative multimodal image fusion and surgical approach simulation benefit complex skull base tumor surgical treatment. Individually multiple image assessment of complex skull base tumors to determine the specific surgical strategy is more rational and should be recommended (Supplemental Digital Content 1, Supplementary Video, http://links.lww.com/SCS/F936).

The Treatment Strategy for Skull Base Reconstruction for Anterior Cranial Fossa Intra- and Extracranial Tumors

ABSTRACT

Anterior cranial fossa intra- and extracranial tumors arise from the anterior cranial fossa and invade the orbit and nose. Anterior cranial fossa tumor resection and skull base reconstruction are challenging for neurosurgeons due to the complex anatomy, leakage of cerebrospinal fluid, and critical neurovasculature involvement. The authors report a case series of cranio-orbital communicating tumors and cranionasal-orbital communicating tumors. All patients underwent a modified Derome approach or transfrontal basal approach, and all tumor resections were satisfactory. Skull base reconstruction for small defects (<1.5 cm) can be performed with autogenous fascia, muscle, and fat. Large defects (≥1.5 cm) require autogenous fascia, muscle, and fat combined with osseous reconstruction (autogenous bone, titanium mesh, and polyetheretherketone). The techniques and treatments were successful, and only 1 patient experienced mild cerebrospinal fluid leak but no intracranial infection, pneumocrania or intracranial hemorrhage. Additionally, long-term follow-up demonstrated that the outcomes remain favorable. According to a literature review, this technique might be an alternative strategy for treating anterior cranial fossa intra- and extracranial tumors, and better skull base reconstruction can prevent many postoperative complications.

The effect of prior radiation on the success of ventral skull base reconstruction: A systematic review and meta-analysis

The incidence of cerebrospinal fluid leak after ventral skull base reconstruction is a primary outcome of interest to skull base surgeons. Exposure to pre-operative radiation may put patients at an increased risk of skull base reconstructive failure. A systematic search identified studies which included patients receiving ventral skull base reconstruction in the setting of pre-operative radiation. A meta-analysis using a random effects model was conducted to estimate an odds ratio of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak in patients exposed to pre-operative radiation. A meta-analysis of 13 studies demonstrated that the odds ratio of CSF leak was 1.73 (95% CI 0.98-3.05). The majority of studies (77%) used vascularized tissue grafts for reconstruction. We identified an increased incidence of CSF leak among patients undergoing ventral skull base reconstruction after prior radiation therapy, although not of statistical significance. Skull base surgeons should exercise caution when planning reconstruction in this population.

Impact of Dural Resection on Sinonasal Malignancies with Skull Base Encroachment or Erosion

Objectives  (1) To determine the occult rate of dural invasion in patients with tumors extending to and/or eroding the bony anterior skull base but without evidence of dural invasion on preoperative imaging. (2) To determine the impact of dural resection and of skull base erosion on survival outcomes in this group of patients (without evidence of dural invasion upon preoperative imaging). Study Design  Retrospective study. Setting  Tertiary care academic center. Participants  Patients with sinonasal malignancies with anterior skull base encroachment/erosion without dural invasion on preoperative imaging treated surgically. Main Outcome Measures  (1) Histopathologic disease in the dura in patients who had dural resection and (2) Oncologic outcomes (5-year local recurrence, dural recurrence, disease-specific survival, and overall survival) in patients with and without dural resection, and patients with and without skull base erosion. Results  Thirty-seven patients were included. The occult rate of dural invasion was 54%. Patients with dural resection had improved margin control versus those without dural resection (90% vs 56%, p  = 0.02). Dural resection improved 5-year overall survival only in patients with esthesioneuroblastoma compared with bony skull base resection alone (100% vs 75%, p  = 0.03). Patients with skull base erosion had reduced local control versus those without erosion (63% vs 93%, p  = 0.047). Conclusion  This study suggests a substantial rate of occult dural invasion despite no overt imaging findings. Dural resection may be associated with improved margin control, but no oncologic benefit except for esthesioneuroblastomas, although treatment heterogeneity and small sample size may limit conclusions.

Decompressive Craniectomy With Bifrontal Coronal Incision in the Management of Fronto-Temporal Contusion and Laceration for Early Cranioplasty

The present study aims to explore the effectiveness of decompressive craniectomy with bifrontal coronal incision in the management of severe contusion and laceration of bilateral fronto-temporal lobes, as well as the outcomes of early cranioplasty. The authors performed the bifrontal decompressive craniectomy on 56 patients with contusion and laceration of bilateral frontal and temporal lobes, and their follow-up treatment outcomes were tracked within 6 months using Glasgow Outcome Scale. The results showed that 33 patients (out of 56, 58.9%) have recovered, 12 patients (out of 56, 21.4%) have moderate defects, 5 patients (out of 56, 8.9%) have severe defects, 3 patients (out of 56, 5.3%) stayed in persistent vegetative status, and the remaining 3 patients (out of 56, 5.3%) have been dead. There was no persistent temporal hollowing. No patients required revision surgery with modified titanium mesh in this study. Particularly, 28 patients have successfully accepted the early cranioplasty with bone flap or computer-assisted design titanium mesh, and showed good recovery. These results together indicated that the decompressive craniectomy with bifrontal coronal incision in the management of severe contusion and laceration of bilateral fronto-temporal lobes can significantly relieve the comorbidity of intracranial hypertension, and improve the prognosis obviously, thus finally increasing the probability of successful rescue and decreasing the probability of mortality and disability.

Cavernous sinus involvement is not a risk factor for the primary tumor site treatment outcome of Sinonasal adenoid cystic carcinoma

Background

Sinonasal adenoid cystic carcinoma is a rare malignancy of the head and neck. Cavernous sinus invasion from sinonasal adenoid cystic carcinoma and its related management have rarely been investigated. This study evaluated the relationship between treatment outcome and cavernous sinus involvement in addition to other parameters.

Methods

A retrospective case series study was conducted at a tertiary referral center. The medical records of 47 patients diagnosed with primary sinonasal adenoid cystic carcinoma between 1984 and 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. The survival impact of the primary treatment modalities and the anatomic sites of tumor involvement were analyzed.

Results

Cavernous sinus invasion was observed in 8 patients (17%), of whom 7 had ACC tumors originating from the maxillary sinus. The results of univariate analysis revealed that tumor stage, primary surgery, and the absence of skull-base and infratemporal fossa invasion were associated with better overall survival (P = 0.033, P = 0.012, P = 0.011, and P = 0.040, respectively) and better disease-free survival (P = 0.019, P = 0.001, P = 0.017, and P = 0.029, respectively). Multivariate analysis identified primary surgery as the only independent prognostic factor for disease-free survival (P = 0.026). Cavernous sinus invasion by sinonasal adenoid cystic carcinoma was not associated with worse overall survival or disease-free survival (P = 0.200 and P = 0.198, respectively).

Conclusions

Because maxillary adenoid cystic carcinoma is associated with a higher rate of cavernous sinus invasion, such cases warrant caution during preoperative planning. Primary surgery as the initial therapy provides better locoregional control and survival for patients with sinonasal adenoid cystic carcinoma. Cavernous sinus invasion did not significantly impact survival; thus, it should not be regarded as a contraindication for curative treatment.

A simple classification of cranial-nasal-orbital communicating tumors that facilitate choice of surgical approaches: analysis of a series of 32 cases

Cranial–nasal–orbital communicating tumors involving the anterior and middle skull base are among the most challenging to treat surgically, with high rates of incomplete resection and surgical complications. Currently, there is no recognized classification of tumors with regard to the choice of surgical approaches. From January 2004 to January 2014, we classified 32 cranial–nasal–orbital communicating tumors treated in our center into three types according to the tumor body location, scope of extension and direction of invasion: lateral (type I), central (type II) and extensive (type III). This classification considerably facilitated the choice of surgical routes and significantly influenced the surgical time and amount of hemorrhage during operation. In addition, we emphasized the use of transnasal endoscopy for large and extensive tumors, individualized treatment strategies drafted by a group of multidisciplinary collaborators, and careful reconstruction of the skull base defects. Our treatment strategies achieved good surgical outcomes, with a high ratio of total resection (87.5 %, 28/32, including 16 cases of benign tumors and 12 cases of malignant tumors) and a low percentage of surgical complications (18.8 %, 6/32). Original symptoms were alleviated in 29 patients. The average KPS score improved from 81.25 % preoperatively to 91.25 % at 3 months after surgery. No serious perioperative complications occurred. During the follow-up of 3 years on average, four patients with malignant tumors died, including three who had subtotal resections. The 3-year survival rate of patients with malignant tumors was 78.6 %, and the overall 3-year survival rate was 87.5 %. Our data indicate that the simple classification method has practical significance in guiding the choice of surgical approaches for cranial–nasal–orbital communicating tumors and may be extended to other types of skull base tumors.

Charged particle therapy versus photon therapy for paranasal sinus and nasal cavity malignant diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Malignant tumours arising within the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses are rare and composed of several histological types, rendering controlled clinical trials to establish the best treatment impractical. We undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the clinical outcomes of patients treated with charged particle therapy with those of individuals receiving photon therapy.

METHODS

We identified studies of nasal cavity and paranasal sinus tumours through searches of databases including Embase, Medline, Scopus, and the Cochrane Collaboration. We included treatment-naive cohorts (both primary and adjuvant radiation therapy) and those with recurrent disease. Primary outcomes of interest were overall survival, disease-free survival, and locoregional control, at 5 years and at longest follow-up. We used random-effect models to pool outcomes across studies and compared event rates of combined outcomes for charged particle therapy and photon therapy using an interaction test.

FINDINGS

43 cohorts from 41 non-comparative observational studies were included. Median follow-up for the charged particle therapy group was 38 months (range 5-73) and for the photon therapy group was 40 months (14-97). Pooled overall survival was significantly higher at 5 years for charged particle therapy than for photon therapy (relative risk 1·51, 95% CI 1·14-1·99; p=0·0038) and at longest follow-up (1·27, 1·01-1·59; p=0·037). At 5 years, disease-free survival was significantly higher for charged particle therapy than for photon therapy (1·93, 1·36-2·75, p=0·0003) but, at longest follow-up, this event rate did not differ between groups (1·51, 1·00-2·30; p=0·052). Locoregional control did not differ between treatment groups at 5 years (1·06, 0·68-1·67; p=0·79) but it was higher for charged particle therapy than for photon therapy at longest follow-up (1·18, 1·01-1·37; p=0·031). A subgroup analysis comparing proton beam therapy with intensity-modulated radiation therapy showed significantly higher disease-free survival at 5 years (relative risk 1·44, 95% CI 1·01-2·05; p=0·045) and locoregional control at longest follow-up (1·26, 1·05-1·51; p=0·011).

INTERPRETATION

Compared with photon therapy, charged particle therapy could be associated with better outcomes for patients with malignant diseases of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. Prospective studies emphasising collection of patient-reported and functional outcomes are strongly encouraged.

FUNDING

Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.

Efficacy of a new instrument for dural defect repair in anterior skull base reconstruction: a technical note

BACKGROUND

The anterior skull base is a deep and narrow area, which makes dural repair technically challenging. The goal of this study was to demonstrate the efficacy of a new instrument for anterior skull base dural repair.

METHODS

Ten patients underwent surgery via the transbasal approach, combined with either a transfacial or a transnasal endoscopic resection. The dural repair was performed prior to tumor resection, and the new instrument was used to suture the fascia lata in an underlay fashion. The repaired dural defect was then covered with a pericranial flap.

RESULTS

The follow-up period ranged from 2 to 18 months, with an average follow-up time of 8.7 months. During this period, none of the patients experienced cerebrospinal fluid leakage, meningitis, tension pneumocephalus, abscess formation, or flap necrosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that the use of this instrument combined with the technique of suturing the fascia lata in an underlay fashion and covering it with a pericranial flap, may be an effective alternative approach to anterior skull base reconstruction.