Treatment Strategy for Petroclival Meningiomas Based on a Proposed Classification in a Study of 168 Cases.

Petroclival meningiomas (PCMs) are regarded as one of the most formidable challenges in neurosurgery. We retrospectively assessed the surgical outcomes of PCMs based on a tumor classification to evaluate the long-term outcomes. A series of 168 patients with PCMs from July 1996 to January 2017. On the basis of the difference in the origin of dural attachment and patterns of growth, the PCMs were classified into 4 different types. The clinical characteristics, surgical record, and follow-up data of each type were reviewed. The study included 138 females (82.1%) with an average age of 49.9 ± 16.2 years. And 138 cases (82.1%) had developed neurological deficits preoperatively with the average tumor size of 44.0 ± 10.6 mm. Specific surgical approaches were applied depended on the tumor classification. Gross total resection (GTR) was achieved in 119 cases (70.8%) with the complications of 46 cases (27.7%). With a median follow-up of 86.5 months, there were 41 cases of recurrence/progress (25.7%) and 39 cases of morbidity (26.4%). Compared with the non-GTR group, the GTR significantly decreased the R/P rate (P = 0.001), prolonged the R/P-FS time (P = 0.032) and improved the follow-up neurological status (P = 0.026). Favorable outcomes and acceptable morbidity were achieved with the treatment strategy of the choice of specific approaches for each type. Meanwhile, the differences of each type in diverse clinical characteristic were verified. Individualized assessment and suitable approach choice should be based on the tumor classification to improved the GTR and quality of life for patients.

Microsurgical Outcomes After Gross Total Resection on Vestibular Schwannoma in Elderly Patients: A Matched Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVES: To compare and analyze the differences in clinical manifestations and surgical outcomes after gross total resection (GTR) for vestibular schwannoma between elderly and younger patients. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of 40 elderly (≥65 years) and 40 younger (<65 years) patients, and matched operation dates and tumor size in the 2 groups were matched. All 80 patients underwent microsurgical resection though the sigmoid approach, by the same surgeon (X.Y.). We then summarized clinical manifestations, image data, perioperative complications, tumor recurrence, and functional outcomes and assessed the differences between the 2 groups. RESULTS: The mean follow-up time was 52.64 months. Elderly patients had a poorer preoperative American Society of Anesthesiology physical status scores than younger patients (62.5% vs. 30%, P = 0.004) and were more likely to have balance disorders (72.5% vs. 25%, P < 0.01), without other preoperative differences. Both groups of patients achieved GTR. The incidence of infection was slightly but not significantly greater in elderly patients (P > 0.05). There were also no significant differences in perioperative complications, recurrence rate, facial nerve function, hearing level, or Karnofsky Performance Status Scale scores between younger and older patients. CONCLUSIONS: Elderly patients tended to suffer from poorer health (American Society of Anesthesiology score) and poor balance before the operation; however, they did not experience more complications, worse nerve function, or worse quality of life in the perioperative or follow-up times. We conclude that GTR of vestibular schwannomas, even large or giant ones, is a safe and effective option for elderly patients.

Solitary Fibrous Tumor of Central Nervous System: Clinical and Prognostic Study of 24 Cases.

BACKGROUND: Solitary fibrous tumors (SFTs) are rare mesenchymal tumors that occasionally occur in the central nervous system (CNS). It is difficult to fully understand their clinical characteristics, partly due to a limited number of reported cases. METHODS: We reviewed 24 patients admitted to our institution between 2009 and 2016 with CNS solitary fibrous tumors. We reviewed and analyzed patient profiles, such as demographics, presentations, imaging studies, extent of resection, and adjuvant treatment. Differences between malignant and benign SFTs were assessed using the χ2 test or Student's t-test. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to estimate the disease-free survival (DFS) rate. The multivariate Cox regression analysis was performed to evaluate the possible predictive value of the DFS rate of the previously mentioned covariates. RESULTS: A total of 13 men and 11 women were enrolled in the study (the average age was 43). The median follow-up time was 58 months. Twenty-one patients underwent gross total resection (GTR), and 3 patients received a subtotal resection (STR). The tumors in 15 patients (62.5%) were atypical or malignant. One patient (4.2%) suffered SFT-related death (multiple organ failure by tumor metastasis), and 3 patients (12.5%) experienced tumor recurrence. We found that a large tumor size (≥10 cm, P < 0.001) and STR (P < 0.001) were negatively associated with the DFS rate. CONCLUSION: CNS SFTs are rare, slow-growing, less aggressive, and recrudescent tumors. Complete resection is the most effective therapy. Large tumor size and STRs might shorten DFS time.

[Influence of preventive use of vasopressin tannate on diabetes insipidus and serum sodium at the early postoperation of craniopharyngioma].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the influence of preventive use of vasopressin tannate on diabetes insipidus and serum sodium at the early postoperation of craniopharyngioma.
 Methods: The data of 83 patients, who underwent unilateral sub-frontal approach resection of craniopharyngioma between 2010 and 2014 by the same senior neurosurgeon, were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into a vasopressin tannate group (used group) and a control group. The diabetes insipidus and serum sodium changes were compared between the two groups.
 Results: Compared with the control group, the incidence of diabetes insipidus decreased at the early postoperation in the vasopressin tannate group (P<0.05). There was high incidence of diabetes insipidus in patients with pituitary stalk excision and tumor close adhesion to the third ventricle floor at the early postoperation (P<0.05). Under such conditions, the incidence of diabetes insipidus in the vasopressin tannate group was decreased compared with the control group (P<0.05). Postoperative hypernatremia occurred in 37 patients (44.6%), and hyponatremia occurred in 60 patients (72.3%), the average time of the occurrence of hpernatremia and hyponatremia was 1.4 and 3.7 days after surgery. Postoperative high serum sodium and low serum sodium appeared alternately in 19 patients (22.9%). There was significant difference in the serum sodium distribution in the first day after surgery in both groups (P<0.05), and the percent of hpernatremia in the vasopressin tannate group was significantly less than that in the control group (P<0.05).
 Conclusion: Preventive use of vasopressin tannate can effectively reduce diabetes insipidus and hypernatremia incidence at the early postoperative stage after microsurgery for craniopharyngioma.

Microsurgical Management of Craniopharyngiomas via a Unilateral Subfrontal Approach: A Retrospective Study of 177 Continuous Cases.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the outcomes of 177 cases of craniopharyngioma (CP) treated via a unilateral subfrontal approach. METHODS: A total of 177 continuous microscopic surgeries were performed by the senior author (Y.X.). The tumors were divided into 6 groups using the diaphragm sellae and the third ventricle floor as the anatomic references. The preoperative, postoperative, and long-term follow-up data were analyzed to evaluate the extent of tumor resection, recurrence, and functional status. RESULTS: The subfrontal-basal approach was used in 169 (91.4%) cases. Total resection was achieved in 167 (94.4%) cases. A total of 158 patients were followed from 6 to 130 months. There were 3 perioperative and 23 delayed deaths. Twenty-two patients had tumor recurrence (12.7%). The progression-free survival was 80% at 5 years and 72% at 10 years. The overall survival was 84.0% at 2.5 years and 83.2% at 10 years. There was a significant increase of pituitary dysfunction after total resection. Neurologic function was stable in most patients. Rate of hypothalamic dysfunction and mortality were higher in patients with intraventricular CPs. Of the surviving patients, 91.8% were living independently with acceptable morbidities at the end of the study. CONCLUSIONS: Most CPs extend along the intrasellar-suprasellar-third ventricle axis. A subfrontal-basal approach is a simple, safe, and effective approach to resecting CPs extending along the vertical axis. A translamina terminalis approach is an ideal corridor to resect intraventricular CP. The benefit of radical resection remains controversial, especially for CPs involving the infundibulotuberal region.

Brachium Pontis Gliosarcoma With Well-Differentiated Cartilaginous Tissue: A Case Report.

Gliosarcoma (GS) belongs to World Health Organization grade IV neoplasm and displaying glial and mesenchymal differentiation. Only rare cases of GS have been reported in the brachium pontis and 4th ventricle region. Here, we report a rare case of GS located on brachium pontis region and extending into the 4th ventricle with well-differentiated cartilaginous metaplasia. A 28-year-old male patient experienced intermittent headache, vomiting, and gait disorders for 3 months. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a heterogeneous ring-enhancement lesion with weak central enhancement in left brachium pontis and 4th ventricle region. Histology revealed the GS was constituted with glial and sarcomatous elements. After immunohistochemical analysis, a diagnosis of GS with cartilaginous differentiation was then made.Symptoms of GS, including headache, aphasia, hemiparesis, cognitive decline, and seizures, mainly determined by the location. The clinical manifestation and radiologic characteristic is not significantly different from that of glioblastoma. The grade of resection is the significant factor related to prognosis of GS, and the clinical effect of adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy need further study. Reporting additional cases would be of great help in better understanding of this location and pathologic type of GS.

[Microsurgical removal and prognostic analysis of petroclival meningiomas].

OBJECTIVE: To identify factors that predictive of quality of life after microsurgical removal of petroclival meningiomas. METHODS: A consecutive series of 71 cases of petroclival meningiomas received microsurgical removal between July 1991 and April 2010 were analyzed retrospectively. Quality of life was measured using Karnofsky performance scale (KPS). Complete pre-operative, post-operative and follow-up data were obtained from all 71 patients including 18 male and 53 female patients with the mean age of (47 ± 11) years (aging from 15 to 68 years). The duration between onset of symptoms and diagnosis ranged from 1 week to 180 months with the mean duration of (32 ± 30) months. And the tumor size was 15-72 mm with the average of (44 ± 11) mm. Main presentations included headache, unsteady gait, hemiparesis, dysphagia, hoarseness, facial numbness or pain, Bell's palsy, hearing impairment etc. The preoperative KPS was 40-100 with the average of 69 ± 11. The retrosigmoid (-transtentorial) approach was performed in most cases (91.5%). Intergroup χ² test and logistic regression analysis were conducted for prognostic factor characterization. RESULTS: The gross total resection (all were Simpson gradeII) reached in 48 cases (67.6%) and 1 case died postoperatively. The main new neurological dysfunctions were cranial nerve paralysis and hemiplegia with the postoperative KPS of 20-100 with the average of 73 ± 16.Sixty-four cases were followed for 4-132 months with the average of (61 ± 48) months. Seven patients died during follow-up, tumor recurrence and progression were identified in 6 and 8 cases, respectively. The KPS at the last visit ranged from 50 to 100 with the average of 83 ± 13. The extent of tumor resection (OR = 0.280, 95% CI: 0.081-0.967, P = 0.044), preoperative brainstem edema (OR = 0.100, 95% CI: 0.027-0.372, P = 0.001), relationships between tumor and neurovascular structures (OR = 0.288, 95% CI: 0.084-0.985, P = 0.047) and depth of invasion into cavernous sinus (OR = 0.254, 95% CI: 0.061-1.057, P = 0.048) had significant correlations with the prognostic quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: With regard of the choice of surgical approaches, the extent of tumor resection, the protection of neurovascular structures surrounding the tumor and the management of perioperative period, the therapeutic strategies for each patient should be customized to achieve better prognosis.

Pituitary stalk management during the microsurgery of craniopharyngiomas.

In the present study, 203 patients that had previously undergone microsurgery for craniopharyngiomas (CPs) between 1992 and 2012 were analyzed retrospectively on a long-term follow-up basis to investigate the differences in the recurrence rate and endocrine function between patients with preserved and resected pituitary stalks. To summarize the possible outcomes of microsurgery, the 203 patients were divided into 2 groups: Group A that had preserved pituitary stalks and Group B that had undergone resections of the pituitary stalk. Tumor origins and the involvement of the pituitary stalk during surgery were observed. From 2010 onwards, an ultra-electron microscope was used postoperatively to detect whether pituitary stalk specimens were infiltrated or invaded with tumor cells. Long-term follow-up observations of the patients included tumor recurrence, postoperative endocrine dysfunction and visual acuity and field. Among the 203 patients, 175 patients received gross-total resection (GTR) (175/203, 86.2%), 28 patients underwent subtotal resection (28/203, 13.8%) and 34 patients had surgery that preserved the pituitary stalk (34/203, 16.7%). There was no significant difference in the recurrence rate between Group A (4/34, 11.8%) and the patients in Group B (10/123, 8.1%) who underwent GTR and also received follow-ups. Of the 157 patients who were followed up, 91 individuals underwent endocrine evaluation and the outcome was divided into normal, satisfactory and poor grades. The results for Group A were 5, 18 and 0, respectively, while the results for Group B were 1, 60 and 7, respectively, which showed a statistically significant difference between the groups. Pituitary stalk specimens of 15 patients were studied postoperatively using an ultra-electron microscope and all samples showed tumor cells had invaded the pituitary stalk (15/15, 100%). Total resections of CPs with the pituitary stalk were recommended if the pituitary stalk was intraoperatively invaded. In cases where the pituitary stalk was not involved, microsurgical excisions preserving the pituitary stalk were preferred, as there was no significant increase in the recurrence rate and the patients experienced less endocrine dysfunction.

[Microsurgery for parasellar menningiomas and impact factors of recurrence].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of microsurgery for parasellar menningiomas and to analyze the impact factors of recurrence. METHODS: Clinical and follow-up data in a consecutive series of 134 patients with parasellar meningiomas were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 109 patients (81.3%) had radical removal (Simpson grade I and II), and 116 patients were followed up for an average period of 81.6 months. The mean quality of life score (KPS) was 91.9, 90 patients regained full daily activity and 16 patients were able to take care of themselves. Oculomotor paralysis occurred in 7 patients, epilepsy in 8, and another 9 patients suffered hemispheral paralysis. Tumor recurred after the radical removal in 12 out of the 96 followup patients (12.5%). Tumor progressed after subtotal removal in 12 out of the 20 follow-up patients (60%). Tumor with cavernous sinus (CS) invasion had significantly higher risk of recurrence campared with non-CS invasion (P=0.043). The recurrence rate increased with the pathological grade (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Patients with parasellar meningiomas undergoing microsurgical resection may have a good long-term function outcome. For most patients, total removal by microsurgery is the first choice. Careful follow-up is needed if tumor invaded the CS and radiosurgery is proposed for WHO grade 1 and 2.

[Protection of the superior petrosal vein in microneurosurgery for acoustic neuroma].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical significance of the protection of superior petrosal vein (SPV) in the microneurosurgery for acoustic neuroma. METHODS: From January 2009 to July 2011, 149 cases of acoustic neuroma microsurgery were observed. The difference in hematoma in surgical area, cerebellar hematoma and cerebellar edema were compared between a SPV without protection group (SPVWP group, n=8) and a SPV protection group (SPVP group, n=141). RESULTS: In the 149 patients with acoustic neuroma, the SPV was reserved in 141 patients. In the SPVWP group (8 patients), hematoma in the surgery area occurred in 4 patients, cerebellar edema in 5, and cerebellar hemorrhage in 3. In the SPVP group (141 patients), hematoma in the surgery area occurred in 40 patients, cerebellar edema in 56, and cerebellar hemorrhage in 12. There was significant difference in the incidence of cerebellar hemorrhage (χ(2)=3.84, P=0.05), no significant difference in the incidence of hematoma in the surgical area (χ(2)=0.646, respectively, P=0.422), and no significant difference in the incidence of cerebellar edema (χ(2)=0.611, P=0.434) between the SPVWP group and the SPVP group. CONCLUSION: In acoustic neuroma surgery, the SPV should be protected, which may reduce the risk of cerebellar hemorrhage.

Large medial sphenoid wing meningiomas: long-term outcome and correlation with tumor size after microsurgical treatment in 127 consecutive cases.

AIM: We present the long-term outcomes as well as their correlation with tumor size in 127 consecutive patients harboring large MSWM after microsurgical treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The retrospective analysis of clinical data and follow-up data of 127 microsurgical treated patients with MSWM was performed. The mean maximum diameter of tumors was 5.2cm (ranged 1.5-10.0cm). RESULTS: 104 cases (81.9%) achieved gross total resection. There was no operative mortality. Detailed follow-up data was available in 120 cases for a mean duration of 81.6 months (12-216 months). The permanent morbidity was 14.2%. The mean KPS score 1 year after surgery was 90.6 (ranged 60-100). Among 74 patients of preoperative visual acuity (VA) impairment, postoperative VA improved in 42 cases (56.8%), unchanged in 30 (40.5%), and deteriorated in 2 (2.7%). MR images revealed tumor recurrence after total resection in 10 cases (10.2%) and tumor progression after subtotal resection in 10 cases (45.5%). CONCLUSION: Tumor recurrence was the major risk in the long run, thus the initial surgery was extremely important and hence should be aggressive. The size of tumor affected the extent of tumor removal determining clinical outcomes including VA improvement and KPS score immediately after surgery; however, it was not correlated with long-term overall outcomes.

[Facial nerve preservation following microsurgical removal of large and huge acoustic neuroma].

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the long-term facial nerve function of patients following microsurgical removal of large and huge acoustic neuroma, and to identify the factors that influence these outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed which included 176 consecutive patients with a large acoustic neuroma (≥ 30 mm) underwent a retrosigmoid craniotomy for tumor resection between January 2002 to November 2009. House-Brackmann (HB) Scale was used preoperatively and in a long-term follow-up after surgery. Test for linear trend was applied for statistic analysis. RESULTS: Complete resection was achieved in 168 (95.5%) of these 176 patients with a mortality of 1.7%. Anatomic preservation of the facial nerve was attained in 96.0% of the patients. In the series of 96 patients who had at least 1-year follow-up (mean 3.0 years) the facial nerve function preservation (HB grade 1 - 2) was totally attained in 79 patients (82.3%), and 40 of 55 patients (72.7%) who presented huge tumors (diameter > 40 mm) among the 96 patients had facial nerve function preserved. Analysis showed that facial nerve function correlated linearly with tumor sizes (χ(2) = 14.114, ν = 1, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Complete removal of large and giant acoustic neuroma may be obtained via retrosigmoid approach with facial nerve preservation. Excellent long-term facial function can be expected in the majority of patients who undergo microsurgical removal of vestibular schwannoma via the suboccipital retrosigmoid approach. Tumor size is a significant prognostic parameter for facial nerve function following vestibular schwannoma surgery.

A rare Von Hippel-Lindau disease that mimics acute myelitis: case report and review of the literature.

Von Hippel-Lindau disease (VHL) comprises a series of complicated clinical manifestations. We hereby report one unique case of VHL with a natural history that mimics acute myelitis. MRI and biopsy in this patient showed multiple solid hemangioblastomas of the central nervous system and kidney. This study further confirmed that VHL is of highly clinical, imaging, and pathological heterogeneity. Diagnosis for VHL should be based on combination of clinical, radiological, pathological, and genetic data.

[Clinical and neuroimage characteristics of primary central nervous system lymphoma].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the clinical and neuroimage characteristics of primary central nervous system lymphoma and explore the methods of treatment. METHODS: The clinical data of 28 cases of primary central nervous system lymphoma were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: All the 28 patients with lyphoma were proved by craniotomy and pathologic study. The survival periods were 5 days to 40 months after the craniotomy. Eighteen patients received radiotherapy after the operation. Sixteen recurrent cases were proved by neuroimage and the minimum recurrent time was the 29th day after the operation. CONCLUSION: The duration of primary lymphoma in the central nervous system is short and the clinical symptom is serious. The neuroimage of primary lymphoma in the central nervous system has some characteristic changes. The recurrence may occur over a brief time after the operation even though the tumor has been totally removed under the microscope. The majority of lymphomas are sensitive to radiotherapy.