Tailored approach for the resection of planum sphenoidale meningiomas

Abstract

Background and importance. Planum sphenoidale meningiomas are relatively rare tumours that can grow to a considerable size before determining noticeable symptoms. Modern imaging techniques can detect these tumours of varying size. Surgical resection of planum sphenoidale meningiomas can be performed by adapting the approach to the size of the tumour.Clinical presentation. A 56-year-old woman presented with a small (2 cm in diameter) planum sphenoidale meningioma that was resected through a frontal craniotomy performed with a 4,5 cm trephine at the level of the frontal sinus. The second case is that of a 55-year-old woman that presented with a large planum sphenoidale meningioma (5,6 cm in the antero-posterior plane and 5,5 cm cranio-caudally) extending to the tuberculum sellae and sellar diaphragm, reaching the anterior wall of the third ventricle. In this case, a bifrontal craniotomy was performed with frontal sinus cranialization and resection of falx cerebri, achieving a Simpson II resection. Both cases presented a favourable postoperative evolution, without any deficits and an excellent cosmetic result.Conclusion. The approach for tumours of the anterior skull base must be tailored to the size of the tumour. A minimally invasive approach through the frontal sinus should not be avoided in cases with small tumours.