Petroclival meningiomas: radiological features essential for surgeons.

Luca Nicosia,Lara Sammut,Federico Resta,Salvatore Di Pietro,Paolo Reganati,Gaia Spadarella,Christine Cannataci,Michele Catapano

doi:10.3332/ecancer.2019.907

Abstract

Petroclival meningiomas (PCMs) have always been a challenge for surgeons because of their difficult anatomical location. The role of radiology in providing precise indications regarding the tumour site and aggressiveness plays a major part in guiding the subsequent therapeutic process. The purpose of this review is to provide a set of the main radiological features helpful in the management of PCMs towards the most correct therapeutic approach.We aim to offer a radiological overview to allow the patient to be directed to surgery with the least possible risk of complications.

Highlights

Meningiomas are meningothelial cell neoplasms, which typically attach to the inner surface of the dura matter
The purpose of this review is to provide a set of the main radiological features helpful in the management of Petroclival meningiomas (PCMs) towards the most correct therapeutic approach
The most common histology is represented by meningothelial meningioma, followed by fibrous and transitional subtypes: as a whole, they account for 80% of meningiomas [3]

Summary

Introduction

Meningiomas are meningothelial cell neoplasms, which typically attach to the inner surface of the dura matter. They are a very frequent intracranial neoplasia, routinely diagnosed in clinical practice, representing approximately between 16% and 20% of overall endocranial tumours [1]. According to the WHO classification of central nervous system tumours published in 2016 [2], most meningiomas are benign and categorised as WHO grade I. A few are associated with less favourable clinical outcomes and categorised as WHO grade II or III, indicating malignancy. Meningiomas usually arise from the arachnoidal cap cells of the leptomeninges; they can be located in almost any area of the brain, even in the ventricular space [4]. Many studies have tried to show how some atypical

Objectives

Findings

Conclusion