Childhood meningioma: unusual location, atypical radiological findings, and favorable treatment outcome.

Abstract

To investigate the characteristics of childhood meningioma, especially, locations, radiological findings, pathological features (including proliferative potential) and outcome, 11 children with meningiomas were retrospectively analyzed. Unusual location, large size, frequent calcification, and cyst formation were characteristic radiological findings. Gross total resection was achieved in 8 patients, and there was recurrence in 2. Gamma knife radiosurgery was performed on residual and recurrent tumors. MIB-1 indices tended to be high in large tumors. Nine patients had a Karnofsky Performance Scale of more than 70 during the follow-up period of 10 months to 19.5 years. Surgical treatment rendered 4 of 5 epileptic patients seizure free. The childhood meningiomas examined had unusual locations, atypical radiological findings, and various proliferative potentials. Complete resection is the treatment of choice. Gamma knife radiosurgery can be a good alternative for residual tumors and small recurrent tumors. The outcome of childhood meningiomas is good after surgery.