Meningiomas In Elderly Patients Research Articles

Robotic stereotactic radiosurgery for intracranial meningiomas in elderly patients: assessment of treatment efficacy and safety.

Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) has been increasingly used to treat intracranial pathologies in elderly patients. The treatment efficiency of SRS has been demonstrated in meningiomas, with excellent local control. We aimed to analyze the safety of robotic SRS in elderly patients with meningiomas. We searched for patients with suspected WHO °I meningioma ≥ 60 years old, who underwent CyberKnife (CK) SRS from January 2011 to December 2021. Tumor localization was categorized using the "CLASS" algorithmic scale. Tumor response was evaluated using the Response Assessment in Neuro-Oncology (RANO) criteria for meningiomas. Adverse effects were graded using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) version 5.0 and a cox regression was performed to investigate possible predictors. We identified 82 patients with 102 CK-treated lesions that matched the criteria for the first SRS. The median age was 70 [IQR 64-75] years, and 24.3% of the patients were aged > 75 years. Multiple lesions (up to six) were treated in 14.1% of the SRS-sessions. A previous surgery was performed in 57.3% of lesions, with a median time interval of 41 [IQR 10 - 58] months between the initial surgical procedure and the SRS treatment. In 47.9% of cases, CLASS 3 meningiomas at high-risk locations were irradiated. Single fraction radiosurgery was applied to 62.5% of the lesions, while in the remaining cases multi-session SRS with three to five fractions was used. During the median follow-up period of 15.9 months, lesion size progression was observed in 3 cases. Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) declined by ≥ 20 points in four patients. Adverse effects occurred in 13 patients, while only four patients had CTCAE ≥2 toxicities. Hereby only one of these toxicities was persistent. The occurrence of complications was independent of age, planned target volume (PTV), high-risk localization, and surgery before SRS. The data indicates that SRS is a safe, efficient, and convenient treatment modality for elderly patients with meningioma, even at high-risk locations.

The role of scoring systems in treatment indication of meningiomas in elderly patients

The role of scoring systems in treatment indication of meningiomas in elderly patients

Intracranial Meningioma in Elderly Patients. Retrospective Multicentric Risk and Surgical Factors Study of Morbidity and Mortality.

With the increasing life expectancy, a large number of intracranial meningiomas (IM) have been identified in elderly patients. There is no general consensus regarding the management for IMs nor studies regarding the outcome of older patients undergoing meningioma surgery. We aimed to determine whether preoperative variables and postoperative clinical outcomes differ between age groups after meningioma surgery. We analyzed data from all patients who had undergone IM surgery from our departments. The final cohort consisted of 340 patients affected by IM with ASA class I-II: 188 in the young group (<65) and 152 in the elderly. The two subgroups did not present significant differences concerning biological characteristics of tumor, localization, diameters, lesion and edema volumes and surgical radicality. Despite these comparable data, elderly presented with a significantly lower Karnofsky Performance status value on admission and remained consistently lower during the follow-up. We establish instead that there is no intrinsic correlation to the presence of IM and no significant increased risk of complications or recurrence in elderly patients, but rather only an increased risk of reduced performance status with mortality related to the comorbidity of the patient, primarily cardiovascular disease, and an intrinsic frailty of the aged population.

Minimally invasive surgical treatment of intracranial meningiomas in elderly patients (≥ 65 years): outcomes, readmissions, and tumor control

Increased lifespan has led to more elderly patients being diagnosed with meningiomas. In this study, the authors sought to analyze and compare patients ≥ 65 years old with those < 65 years old who underwent minimally invasive surgery for meningioma. To address surgical selection criteria, the authors also assessed a cohort of patients managed without surgery. In a retrospective analysis, consecutive patients with meningiomas who underwent minimally invasive (endonasal, supraorbital, minipterional, transfalcine, or retromastoid) and conventional surgical treatment approaches during the period from 2008 to 2019 were dichotomized into those ≥ 65 and those < 65 years old to compare resection rates, endoscopy use, complications, and length of hospital stay (LOS). A comparator meningioma cohort of patients ≥ 65 years old who were observed without surgery during the period from 2015 to 2019 was also analyzed. Of 291 patients (median age 60 years, 71.5% females, mean follow-up 36 months) undergoing meningioma resection, 118 (40.5%) were aged ≥ 65 years and underwent 126 surgeries, including 20% redo operations, as follows: age 65-69 years, 46 operations; 70-74 years, 40 operations; 75-79 years, 17 operations; and ≥ 80 years, 23 operations. During 2015-2019, of 98 patients referred for meningioma, 67 (68%) had surgery, 1 (1%) had radiosurgery, and 31 (32%) were observed. In the 11-year surgical cohort, comparing 173 patients < 65 years versus 118 patients ≥ 65 years old, there were no significant differences in tumor location, size, or outcomes. Of 126 cases of surgery in 118 elderly patients, the approach was a minimally invasive approach to skull base meningioma (SBM) in 64 cases (51%) as follows: endonasal 18, supraorbital 28, minipterional 6, and retrosigmoid 12. Endoscope-assisted surgery was performed in 59.5% of patients. A conventional approach to SBM was performed in 15 cases (12%) (endoscope-assisted 13.3%), and convexity craniotomy for non-skull base meningioma (NSBM) in 47 cases (37%) (endoscope-assisted 17%). In these three cohorts (minimally invasive SBM, conventional SBM, and NSBM), the gross-total/near-total resection rates were 59.5%, 60%, and 91.5%, respectively, and an improved or stable Karnofsky Performance Status score occurred in 88.6%, 86.7%, and 87.2% of cases, respectively. For these 118 elderly patients, the median LOS was 3 days, and major complications occurred in 10 patients (8%) as follows: stroke 4%, vision decline 3%, systemic complications 0.7%, and wound infection or death 0. Eighty-three percent of patients were discharged home, and readmissions occurred in 5 patients (4%). Meningioma recurrence occurred in 4 patients (3%) and progression in 11 (9%). Multivariate regression analysis showed no significance of American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status score, comorbidities, or age subgroups on outcomes; patients aged ≥ 80 years showed a trend of longer hospitalization. This analysis suggests that elderly patients with meningiomas, when carefully selected, generally have excellent surgical outcomes and tumor control. When applied appropriately, use of minimally invasive approaches and endoscopy may be helpful in achieving maximal safe resection, reducing complications, and promoting short hospitalizations. Notably, one-third of our elderly meningioma patients referred for possible surgery from 2015 to 2019 were managed nonoperatively.

Management of incidental anterior skull base large and giant meningiomas in elderly patients.

The incidence of meningiomas among the elderly is considered to be high, and are at increased risk of severe morbidity and mortality following surgery due to their aging physiology and unexpected comorbidities. This study aimed to evaluate the optimal management strategies of meningiomas in elderly patients. We retrospectively analyzed 150 patients with incidental large (≥ 3cm) and giant (≥ 6cm) anterior skull base meningiomas from 2009 to 2018. These patients were divided into elderly group (≥ 65years, n = 70) and younger group (< 65years, n = 80). Information of patients with regard to their medical records, operative details, relevant imaging, and follow-up data were obtained from their respective electronic medical records. The elderly patients had significantly longer length of hospital stay (15.9 ± 3.5) compared to younger patients (13.6 ± 3.6, P < 0.001). Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) at discharge was significantly lower in elderly group when compared to younger group (P = 0.04). However, the KPS at 1-year after surgery was similar between the two groups. In addition, there was no significant difference in the incidence of surgical complications between the two groups. Multivariate regression analysis of postoperative complications revealed blood loss ≥ 800mL (P = 0.007) and BMI (< 18.5 or ≥ 24, P < 0.001) as risk factors, rather than age. Surgical resection in elderly patients with incidental anterior skull base large and giant meningiomas is considered to be a safe and effective therapeutic option owing to acceptable mortality, postoperative complications and postoperative clinical outcomes.

Elderly Patients with Frontobasal and Suprasellar Meningiomas: Safety and Efficacy of Tumor Removal via Frontolateral Approach

Many neurosurgeons prefer conservative treatments in the elderly because of higher rates of mortality and morbidity after surgery. We aim to evaluate safety and efficacy of surgery in elderly patients with frontobasal and suprasellar meningiomas with a simple operative procedure, the frontolateral approach. Retrospective analysis was made in consecutive patients with meningiomas operated via frontolateral approach. They were divided into 2 groups: elderly group (age ≥ 65 years) and young group (age < 65 years). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed for postoperative complications and Karnofsky Performance Scale score (KPS). The study comprises 128 patients operated over a 19-year period, of which 35 patients were in the elderly group and 93 patients were in the young group. More elderly patients presented with American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) class II and III (57.1% vs. 43%). Gross resection was achieved in 31 cases in the elderly and 85cases in young group (88.6% vs. 90.3%, P= 0.17). Postoperative KPS in both groups was improved (85.7% vs. 91.4%, P= 0.18). One death occurred in elderly group (2.9%, P= 0.27). Approach-related and medical morbidity in the elderly group was slightly higher than in the young group without significant difference (respectively, 11.4% and 14.3% vs. 9.7% and 8.6%, P= 0.18). Multivariate logistic regression showed increasing age was not associated with approach-related morbidity (odds ratio [OR]: 1.39, P= 0.53), medical morbidity (OR: 1.94, P= 0.88), and improvement of KPS (OR: 0.32, P= 0.25). Frontobasal and suprasellar meningiomas in elderly patients can be treated surgically with acceptably low morbidity and mortality rates via the frontolateral approach. Preoperative KPS score ≤60 and ASA classification ≥III predict an unfavorable postoperative outcome.

P09.02 Surgical treatment for intracranial meningiomas in elderly patients growing during follow-up study

Abstract BACKGROUND In Japan in which life expectancy exceeds 85 years old, there are many elderly people who have sufficient healthy life even over 75 years of age and maintain social activities. With the increase in life expectancy and widespread use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), it is estimated that the number of asymptomatic meningioma diagnosed in elderly patients will increase. They are often followed up for the elderly, but they often become symptomatic as the tumor grows. Considering the inherent complications of the elderly and the patient’s life expectancy, it is often difficult to decide whether to operate. Here, we report the results of surgical treatment for intracranial meningiomas in elderly patients growing during follow-up study. MATERIAL AND METHODS Between January 2010 and December 2018, we treated 322 meningioma patients, including 18 patients older than 75 years old who had grown during follow-up. We performed a retrospective analysis of the 18 patients and measured Tumor doubling time (TDT) using CT scan or MRI image. We mainly examined the relationship between TDT and WHO classification, MIB-1 index, edema and calcification, intensity on MRI T2 weighted-imaging. RESULTS 5 were male and 13 were female. There were 6 cases of skull base meningioma and 13 cases in which the tumor showed high intensity on the MRI T2 weighted-imaging. 4 cases showed intratumoral hemorrhage. 8 cases had edema. 11 cases were symptomatic meningiomas and 7 cases were asymptomatic meningiomas. There were 7 cases of WHO grade I meningioma and 11 cases of WHO grade II or III meningiomas. TDT was an average of 1.82 year (0.37–3.74). 9 patients have taken anticoagulant or antiplatelet medication. CONCLUSION In following up elderly meningioma patients, MRI should be performed at periodic intervals if the tumor showed high intensity on the MRI T2 weighted-imaging or had edema. In case of surgical treatment, we should pay attention to taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet medication, and treatment strategy is needed to avoid complications with sufficiently preoperative examination.

Surgical outcome in elderly patients with intracranial meningioma

The aim of this study was to examine the utility of surgical management of intracranial meningioma in elderly patients. A total of 138 patients with intracranial meningiomas who underwent surgery from 2008 to 2017 were divided into elderly (≥75 years old, n = 34) and younger (<75 years old, n = 104) groups. Clinical and radiological data were retrospectively analyzed. Total tumor removal was achieved in 79% of elderly patients, which was similar to that in young patients (85%, p = .81). The average preoperative Karnofsky performance scale score in elderly patients was significantly lower than that in young patients (70.6 vs. 90.4, respectively; p < .0001). However, the average change in the Karnofsky performance scale score after surgery was similar between the two groups (0.3 vs. −0.4, respectively; p = .36). Histopathological grading revealed that the incidence of malignant meningioma (World Health Organization grades II and III) was significantly higher in elderly patients than that in young patients (44% vs. 14%, respectively; p = .004). Among meningiomas showing chronological progression, World Health Organization grade II and III meningiomas accounted for 67% of tumors in elderly patients, but only 23% in younger patients (p = .01). These data suggest that surgical removal of meningiomas may be a safe and useful treatment strategy in elderly patients.

Meningioma in the elderly: Characteristics, prognostic factors, and surgical strategy

Meningioma is one of the most common intracranial tumors. It has the features of benign and slow growing. We focused on the meningioma in the elderly, retrospectively analyzed 528 valid meningioma patients, including 115 (21.8%) patients older than 65 years old. The elderly patients were shown to have significantly larger tumor diameter (mean [±SD] 43.4 ± 18.0 mm) comparing with the young group (mean [±SD] 37.6 ± 16.5 mm, p < 0.01). Post-operative KPS was significantly lower in the elderly group (mean [±SD] 79.64 ± 26.37) than the young group (mean [±SD] 88.81 ± 17.36, p < 0.01). Multivariate regression of post-operative KPS scales at discharge and 6 months follow-up showed operative complications, pre-operative comorbidities, tumor diameter, and challenging location had a significant impact on the outcome. However, tumor blood supply, Simpson grades, pathology, and pre-operative symptoms were shown to have less impact on the post-operative KPS scale. The outcome for meningioma in elderly patients was affected by factors related more to the safety of the operation than characteristics of the tumor. Therefore, rather than achieving total resection, conservative and safety preferential treatment strategies should be regarded as a higher priority for better quality of life.

Single-Fractionated Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Intracranial Meningioma in Elderly Patients: 25-Year Experience at a Single Institution.

Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) has been accepted as a therapeutic option for intracranial meningiomas; however, the detailed data on outcomes in elderly patients remain unclear. To delineate the efficacy of SRS for meningiomas in elderly patients. The outcomes of 67 patients aged ≥65 yr who underwent SRS for benign intracranial meningioma (World Health Organization grade I) between 1990 and 2014 at our institution were retrospectively analyzed. The median age was 71 yr (range, 65-83 yr), and the mean and median follow-up were 62 and 52 mo (range, 7-195 mo), respectively. Tumor margins were irradiated with a median dose of 16 Gy, and the median tumor volume was 4.9 cm3 (range, 0.7-22.9 cm3). Actuarial local tumor control rates at 3, 5, and 10 yr after SRS were 92%, 86%, and 72%, respectively. Previous surgery and parasagittal/falcine location were statistically significant predictive factors for failed tumor control. Mild or moderate adverse events were noted in 9 patients. No severe adverse event was observed. A higher margin dose was significantly associated with adverse events by univariate analysis. SRS is one of the standard therapies for meningiomas in elderly patients, providing both favorable tumor control and a low risk of adverse events under minimum invasiveness.

Validation of Grading Scores and Outcome Prognostic Factors in Intracranial Meningiomas in Elderly Patients.

Meningiomas are the most frequent benign intracranial tumors and they are becoming more frequent because of the aging population and advances in diagnostics and neurosurgical treatment. Therefore, there will be an increase of this disease in the coming years. We performed a retrospective analysis of patients older than 70 years who underwent surgery for intracranial meningiomas, and we established risk factors related to outcome, morbidity, and mortality. We compared 3 previously described scores (Geriatric Scoring System [GSS], Clinico-Radiological Grading System [CRGS], and Sex, Karnofsky, ASA, Location and Edema [SKALE] score). We identified 110 patients older than 70 years. In the univariate analysis, postoperative Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) was related to the presence of edema (P= 0.036), tumor size (P= 0.043), previous neurologic impairment (P= 0.012), and preoperative American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status classification (P= 0.029). In the multivariable logistic regression model, ASA classification (odds ratio, 0.324; P= 0.04) and preoperative KPS (odds ratio, 1.042; P= 0.05) were also statistically significant. In all cases, better survival curves in the Kaplan-Meier survival test appear in patients with lower scores (CRGS, P= 0.015; GSS, P= 0.014; SKALE, P < 0.001). Also, morbidity measured as postoperative KPS correlated with these scores (CRGS, P<0.001; SKALE, P < 0.001; GSS, P < 0.001). However, only SKALE correlated with perioperative morbidity, mortality, and 1-year mortality. Meningioma resection in patients older than 70 years is safe, with an acceptable rate of mortality and morbidity. Patients who should undergo surgery must be selected in relation to their comorbidities, such as ASA classification or preoperative KPS. However, SKALE could be a useful tool as an initial approach.

Conduta terapêutica nos meningiomas em idosos

Os autores avaliam as dificuldades clínicas pré-operatórias, as complicações e as condutas para o manuseio de riscos nas cirurgias de meningiomas em pacientes idosos. Foram estudados 34 pacientes de 1994 a 2002 com 65 a 86 anos de idade. Todos os casos apresentavam algum tipo de comorbidade, estando entre as mais freqüentes: insuficiência coronariana, insuficiência cardíaca congestiva, enfisema pulmonar, osteoartrose cervical, diabetes melito e artrite reumatóide do idoso. A localização mais comum foi parassagital posterior e convexidade frontal (6 casos cada). Quanto à morbidade cirúrgica, 2 casos apresentaram déficit motor permanente e 3 casos foram reabordados para descompressão devido a infarto venoso extenso por trombose de seio. Três pacientes morreram no período pós-operatório por associação entre edema cerebral por infarto venoso e complicações de ordem pulmonar. Conclui-se que a cirurgia dos meningiomas em idosos deve ser meticulosamente programada devido às co-morbidades inerentes, mas não deve ser negligenciada simplesmente em virtude da idade do paciente.

Clinical features and surgical management of intracranial meningiomas in the elderly.

Meningioma accounts for ~25% of all primary intracranial neoplasms and the incidence increases with age. Prvios population-based studies demonstrated that the annual incidence of intracranial meningiomas was 1.2-3.1/100,000 population. In particular, the incidence of this disease among the elderly is high. Recently, increased life expectancy and greater use of diagnostic radiological imaging led to an increased incidence in the diagnosis of intracranial meningiomas, both symptomatic and asymptomatic, in the elderly. Thus, neurosurgeons may be increasingly confronted with the management of intracranial meningiomas in the elderly. In practice, it is often difficult for physicians to determine whether traditional surgical resection is the optimal management strategy for intracranial meningiomas in the elderly. However, reported clinical studies about the outcome of surgical resection of intracranial meningiomas in the elderly are limited. Increased risk of mortality and morbidity associated with surgical treatment for intracranial meningiomas in the elderly compared with younger patients have been controversial. In the present study, the clinical features of intracranial meningiomas in 70 consecutive intracranial meningioma patients that underwent surgical treatment at the affiliated hospital of University of Occupational and Environmental Health between 2007 and 2013 were assessed. In addition, patient selection and surgical management of intracranial meningioma in elderly patients was discussed. Preoperative factors, including symptoms, tumor location, tumor size, Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) score and American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) score, and postoperative factors, including pathological diagnosis, tumor proliferation index (Ki-67), resection rate (Simpson grade), length of hospital stay and discharge destination were retrospectively analyzed in patients aged ≥75 years (n=16; elderly group) and <75 years (n=54; younger group). Outcomes were assessed 6 months after surgery. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that tumor resection rate (Simpson grade III-V) was an important predictor of surgical complications (odds ratio, 5.662; 95% confidence interval, 1.323-24.236; P=0.0194). Perioperative morbidity was not correlated with age (>75 years), tumor location, tumor size, KPS score or ASA score. Thus, the present study indicated that age is not associated with surgical outcome in elderly meningioma patients. Regardless of patient age, the decision to perform surgical resection should be made on an individual basis wherein tumor characteristics and the general health of the patient are considered.

A study of prognostic factors in 45 cases of atypical meningioma.

Atypical meningioma differs from Grade I meningioma in terms of high recurrence rate and short life expectancy. We evaluated the clinical course of atypical meningioma and investigated prognostic factors affecting its outcomes. We reviewed 45 patients with atypical meningioma who underwent surgical intervention between January 2000 and December 2013. The mean age of the patients and mean follow-up period was 58.7years and 81.0months, respectively. Analyses included factors such as patient age, gender, location and size of tumor, extent of surgical resection (Simpson Grading System), and MIB-1 labeling index (LI). Univariate analysis was used to detect prognostic factors associated with recurrence and survival. The 5-year recurrence-free rate for all 45 patients was 58.4%; 5- and 10-year survival rates were 83.2% and 79.9%, respectively. In univariate analyses, age >60years, and MIB-1 LI correlated with disease recurrence, whereas age >60years, subtotal surgical resection, MIB-1 LI, and indication for radiotherapy correlated with death. MIB-1 LI levels higher than 12.8% and 19.7% predicted recurrence and death, respectively. In our cohort, 26 patients received postoperative radiotherapy including conventional radiation (n = 21) or gamma knife radiosurgery (n = 5). Postoperative radiotherapy did not decrease recurrence rates in our cohort (p = 0.63). Six and two patients who died during the study period underwent conventional radiation and radiosurgery, respectively. Age, male gender, extent of surgical resection, and higher MIB-1 LI influenced the outcome of atypical meningioma. In our cohort, postoperative radiotherapy failed to provide long-term tumor control. Following incomplete surgical resection of atypical meningioma in elderly patients, adjuvant postoperative radiotherapy may not be an ideal treatment option, particularly when MIB-1 LI is higher than 19.7%.

Surgical Outcomes and Predictors of Recurrence in Elderly Patients with Meningiomas

Meningiomas are more prevalent with increasing age, and there is no general consensus of surgical management for this group of tumors. The role of resection and the predictors of recurrence of meningiomas in elderly patients have not been well established. The authors reviewed their experience of surgical resection of these tumors in elderly patients and determined the factors for recurrence. Clinical and radiologic information of 81 elderly patients with meningiomas was retrospectively reviewed. Simpson grading scales were used to evaluate the extent of surgical resection. Statistical analysis was conducted using Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox proportional hazards regression. In this study, the recurrence rate in the grades I-II resection group was 10%, whereas in the grades III-IVresection group, the recurrence rate was 46% (P < 0.001). In Cox regression analysis, Simpson grades I-II/complete resection was revealed as a significant predictor of recurrence-free survival (P= 0.002). The hazard ratio for recurrence after grades III-IV resection was 5 times higher than after grades I-II resection. Location, size of the tumor, medical comorbidities, Karnofsky Performance Status,Geriatric Scoring System (GSS) score >16, and repeated resection were identified as predictors of recurrence-free survival after resection of meningiomas. Elderly patients with meningiomas having a GSS score >16 and undergoing Simpson grades I-II/gross total resection have low operative morbidity, mortality, and recurrence rates and are less likely to continue on antiepileptic medications. Although complete tumor resection is the goal, the surgical approach should be tailored to each patient depending on the patient's GSS score.

Malignant Primary Extradural Meningioma in Elderly Patients: Report of Two Cases and Literature Review

Summary Primary extradural meningioma, also known as ectopic meningioma, is uncommon and represents ∼2% of all meningiomas. Malignant primary extradural meningioma is even more rare. The rarity of cases means the condition is not readily suspected or diagnosed. In this report, we present one case of primary extradural meningioma in elderly patients who presented with a scalp nodule and another highly suspected case. Both patients underwent surgical resection of the tumors. Histological study and immunostaining confirmed the diagnosis. We also conducted a literature review regarding similar cases. Surgical resection with a wide margin remains the first choice of treatment.

Outcome following surgery for intracranial meningiomas in the aging

To prospectively assess mortality, morbidity and the functional and symptomatic outcome following intracranial surgery for meningiomas in elderly patients at two neurosurgical institutions in Norway. Patients ≥60 years who underwent craniotomies for intracranial meningiomas at Oslo University Hospital and Haukeland University Hospital in 2008 and 2009 were included (n = 54). Outcome was assessed at 6 months. Thirty-five females and 19 males of median age 70 (60-84) years were assessed pre- and post-operatively, 87% attended follow-up at 6 months. The surgical mortality rate was 5.6% at 30 days and 7.4% at 3 and 6 months. The rates of complications were: post-operative hematomas 5.6%, deep venous thrombosis 1.9%, osteitis 1.9%, cerebrospinal fluid disturbances 13.0% and neurological sequelae 13.0%. Surgery resulted in a significant improvement in the MMSE score, with a further 14.9% obtaining scores of ≥25 without a significant change in the level of independence according to the Karnofsky performance scale. QoL assessments showed good functioning post-operatively compared to other cancer patient groups, yet slightly reduced when compared to data from the general population. In our series, we found that meningioma surgery in the aging patient carries a higher risk of mortality and morbidity compared to intracranial tumor surgery in general. Our findings indicate, however, that the survivors have improved cognitive function and acceptable QoL, and we did not see any significant decrease in the proportion of independent patients according to the KPS.

Treatment of Intracranial Meningioma in an Elderly Patient by Endovascular Embolization Without Subsequent Surgical Removal

●Abstract● Objective: Intracranial meningioma surgery in the elderly sometimes causes neurological complications that significantly degrade quality of life. We report a case of intracranial meningioma that was effectively and safely treated by endovascular embolization using liquid materials without subsequent surgical removal. Case presentation: Our case of intracranial meningioma was in an 86-year-old woman treated by endovascular embolization using ethanol and n-butyl cyanoacrylate. Six days after embolization preoperative neurological deficits were improved no cognitive deterioration was detected and tumor shrinkage was evident on brain magnetic resonance imaging. Tumor size remains unchanged two years after embolization. Conclusion: Endovascular embolization using liquid materials may be safe for symptomatic meningioma in elderly patients to prevent various complications associated with surgical removal.

INTRACRANIAL MENINGIOMA SURGERY IN THE NINTH DECADE OF LIFE

The aims of this study are to assess the surgical outcome of elderly patients aged 80 years or more, to analyze the factors influencing postoperative course, and to propose a grading system to standardize the surgical indication of intracranial meningioma in the elderly. Between 1990 and 2005, we surgically treated 74 consecutive patients aged 80 years or more for intracranial meningiomas (47 women, 27 men; mean age, 82 yr; age range, 80-90 yr). The median follow-up period was 94 months (range, 15-147 mo). We retrospectively analyzed the factors influencing surgical outcome and retained the significant factors to form the Sex, Karnofsky Performance Scale, American Society of Anesthesiology Class, Location of Tumor, and Peritumoral Edema (SKALE) grading system. There was no perioperative mortality, and the 1-year mortality rate was 9.4%. Postoperative mortality was lower in women with a Karnofsky Performance Scale score of 60 or greater, an American Society of Anesthesiology Class of 1 or 2, a noncritical tumor location, and a moderate or absent peritumoral edema. Patients with a SKALE score of more than 8 had an excellent outcome, whereas those with a SKALE score of less than 8 had a poor outcome. The rate of postoperative complications was 9.4%. Large tumors, critical locations, severe peritumoral edema, and total surgical excision were associated with a higher risk of postoperative complications. Surgery of intracranial meningioma in elderly patients is feasible when the SKALE score is 8 or greater. Prospective studies are required to validate this grading system.

Impact of age on complications and outcome in meningioma surgery

Background Surgery for benign brain tumors in elderly patients without severe general health problems is an acceptable practice, as results are comparable with the ones of younger patients. Nevertheless, the hypothesis that operative complications and perioperative incidents could differ between the 2 age groups should be controlled; and age-specific strategies in operative technique and perioperative care may be useful. Methods Medical records of 348 patients were reviewed. Demographic data (age, sex), rate of excision, complications of the immediate postoperative period, neurological outcome, and mortality were recorded; and statistical evaluation comparing 2 age groups (19-64 and 65-84 years of age) was performed. Results The “young” age group consisted of 240 patients, whereas the “elderly” one had 108. Tumor removal rate was not significantly different in the 2 groups. The elderly age group included significantly more “complicated cases.” Regarding each complication, postoperative hematoma, infections, and deep vein thrombosis were more frequent in elderly patients, presenting various degrees of statistical significance, whereas postoperative brain edema, hydrocephalus, and cardiorespiratory incidents presented no statistically significant difference. Finally, more elderly patients presented neurological deterioration, although mortality was not significantly different. Conclusions Operation for intracranial meningioma in elderly patients is justified as long as detailed preoperative evaluation is performed. Planning of modified protocols including intraoperative technical aspects, careful use of steroids antibiotics, and prophylactic low molecular weight heparin, and early mobilization is necessary for optimizing operative outcome of elderly patients.