Clinical features and surgical outcomes of high-grade spinal meningiomas: Report of 19 cases and literature review

Abstract

High-grade spinal meningiomas (SMs) are extremely rare lesions. The true incidence, clinical features and prognosis of SMs are still unclear. To elucidate this information by using institutional data and to provide an updated review of the literature. Nineteen consecutive patients harboring 20 high-grade SMs were identified, including 15 (78.9%) female patients, with a mean age of 37.8 ± 14.9 years. The 20 tumors were most frequently located in the lumbar and lumbosacral segment (n = 6, 30.0%), followed by the cervical segment (n = 5, 25.0%), thoracolumbar junction (n = 4, 20.0%), thoracic (n = 3, 15.0%) and cervicothoracic junction (n = 2, 10.0%). The mean number of affected spinal levels was 2 ± 1. Simpson grade II and III resection were achieved for sixteen (80.0%) and four (20.0%) tumors, respectively. During a mean follow-up of 79.6 ± 39.9 months, three tumors (15.0%) recurred. Fourteen patients (73.7%) achieved excellent outcomes, three (15.7%) remained stable, one (5.3%) deteriorated, and one (5.3%) died. High-grade SMs are rare entities which consist of 5.7% SM. These lesions tend to affect young patients, with atypical meningioma being the most common pathological subtype. In our study, surgery was an effective means of treatment. Close observation is warranted after surgery because of the high recurrence rate. Recurrent patients can still benefit from a second surgery.