Abstract
BackgroundManagement of tentorial notch meningiomas (TNM) remains a challenge for neurosurgeons. We demonstrate the clinical characteristics and surgical experiences of TNM based on our cases according to a proposed further classification.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed clinical and follow-up data in a consecutive series of 53 TNM patients who underwent microsurgical operation from 2011 to 2019 in our institution. The operations were performed using various approaches. Clinical history, preoperative and postoperative neurofunction, imaging results, and surgical outcomes were collected for further classification of TNM.ResultsAll TNM cases were divided into anterior (T1), middle (T2), and posterior notch (T3). According to the direction of tumor extension and correlation with the neurovascular structures, detailed subtypes of anterior TNMs were identified as the central (T1a), posterior (T1b), and medial type (T1c). The middle TNMs were divided into the infratentorial (T2a), supratentorial (T2b), and supra-infratentorial type (T2c). The posterior TNMs were divided into superior (T3a), inferior (T3b), lateral (T3c), and straight sinus type (T3d) in reference to Bassiouni’s classification. Total removal of the tumor was achieved in 46 cases, with five cases of subtotal and two cases of partial removal without any recorded deaths in our series. In total, five subtotal resected cases underwent gamma-knife treatment and achieved stable disease. Postoperative aggravation or new onset cranial nerve dysfunction occurred in some individual cases, with incidences ranging from 3.77 to 15.10% and improved preoperative neurological deficits ranging from 0 to 100%.ConclusionFurther, TNM classification based on the intracranial location, extension direction, relationship with brainstem, and neurovascular structures guides preoperative evaluation, rational surgical approach selection, and surgical strategy formulation. Taking microsurgery as the main body, a satisfactory outcome of TNM treatment can be achieved for complicated tumors by combining stereotactic radiotherapy. This study demonstrates the surgical outcomes and complications in detail. Further classification might be helpful for treatment decisions in the future.
Highlights
Tentorial meningioma was first reported by Andraal in 1833 (1)
With the continuous progress in microsurgery and the advent of imaging developments, the prognosis of meningiomas has improved significantly. Tentorial meningiomas, especially those located at the free margin of the tentorium, which are named after tentorial notch meningioma (TNM), are still challenging for neurosurgeons
We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records, neuroimaging, and follow-up data of 53 cases of TNM treated microsurgically from January 2011 to June 2019 at our institutions (Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, China)
Summary
Tentorial meningioma was first reported by Andraal in 1833 (1) Nowadays, they are often defined as a type of posterior fossa meningioma, accounting for about 3% of intracranial meningiomas (2). Tentorial meningiomas, especially those located at the free margin of the tentorium, which are named after tentorial notch meningioma (TNM), are still challenging for neurosurgeons. Yaşargil divides TNM into three types: anterior, middle, and posterior (T1, T2, T3) according to their different locations corresponding to the three portions of the free margin of the tentorium (6). It is risky and difficult, the preferred treatment for TNM is surgical resection. We demonstrate the clinical characteristics and surgical experiences of TNM based on our cases according to a proposed further classification
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