Postoperative Growth Rate Research Articles

Intracranial Epidermoid Cyst: A Volumetric Study of a Surgically Challenging Benign Lesion

BackgroundIntracranial epidermoid cysts are rare, benign tumors. Nevertheless, the microsurgical removal of these cysts is challenging. This is due to their capacity to adhere to the neuro-vascular tissue as well as the associated difficulties in micro-surgically peeling off their capsular wall hidden in dead angles. To better understand the rate of recurrence after surgical intervention, we have performed pre- and postoperative volumetric analysis of epidermoid cysts allowing the estimation of their growth rate after resection. MethodsImaging data from 22 patients diagnosed and surgically treated for an intracranial epidermoid cyst between 2000 – 2022 was retrospectively collected from two European neurosurgical centers with microsurgical expertise. Volumetric analysis was performed on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data. ResultsAverage cyst volume at diagnosis, prior to any surgery, measured in 12 patients, was 28877.6 ± 10250.4 mm3 (SEM). Estimated growth rate of incompletely-resected epidermoids after surgery was 1630.05 mm3 ± 729.95 (SEM). Assuming linear growth dynamics and normalizing to postoperative residual volume, the average postoperative growth rate corresponded to 61.5 ± 34.3% (SEM) of the postoperative residual volume per year. We observed signs of recurrence during a radiological follow-up period of 6.0 ± 2.8 years (SD) in more than 50% of our patients. ConclusionsDue to their slow-growing nature, epidermoid cysts can often reach a complex multicompartmental size before resection, even in young patients, thus requiring complex approaches with challenging capsular resection which implies a high risk of nerve and vascular injury per se. Tumor recurrence may be predicted based on postoperative volumetry.

Evaluating the safety of perioperative dexamethasone treatment: A retrospective analysis of a single center pediatric low-grade glioma cohort.

In addition to surgical management, corticosteroids have proven to be beneficial in the management of acute symptoms related to CNS tumors, and have been widely used for many decades, with dexamethasone (DM) representing the most commonly used agent. However, lately published in vitro data possibly indicates a DM-induced suppression of oncogene-induced senescence (OIS) in a preclinical pediatric low-grade glioma (pLGG) model, which, alongside data associating perioperative DM treatment with reduced event-free survival in adult glioma, raises questions concerning the safety of DM treatment in pLGG. A total of 172 patients with pLGG were retrospectively analyzed concerning the impact of perioperative DM application on postoperative short- and long-term tumor growth velocity and progression-free survival (PFS). Three-dimensional volumetric analyses of sequential MRI follow-up examinations were used for assessment of tumor growth behavior. Mean follow-up period accounted for 60.1months. Sixty-five patients (45%) were perioperatively treated with DM in commonly used doses. Five-year PFS accounted for 93% following gross-total resection (GTR) and 57% post incomplete resection (IR). Comparison of short- and long-term postoperative tumor growth rates in patients with vs without perioperative DM application showed no significant difference (short-term: 0.022 vs 0.023 cm3 /month, respectively; long-term: 0.019 vs 0.023 cm3 /month, respectively). Comparison of PFS post IR (5-year-PFS: 65% vs 55%, respectively; 10-year-PFS: 52% vs 53%, respectively) and GTR (5- and 10-years-PFS: 91% vs 92%, respectively) likewise showed similarity. This data emphasizes the safety of perioperative DM application in pLGG, adding further evidence for decision making and requested future guidelines.

Postoperative growth rate affects time to growth arrest after percutaneous physiodesis: A radiostereometric analysis.

Purpose:The aim of this study was to determine the time at which physeal arrest is achieved after percutaneous physiodesis, and whether immediate postoperative growth rate affects the time to reach physeal arrest.Methods:Radiostereometric analysis, with implantation of tantalum balls as radiographic markers on each side of the physes, was used to measure residual longitudinal growth in 21 children (10 boys and 11 girls) after percutaneous physiodesis for leg length discrepancy or extreme tall stature. In total, 25 femoral and 20 tibial physes were operated on. Median age at surgery was 13.9 years (range = 11.4–16.1). Radiostereometric analysis was performed postoperatively and after 3, 6, 9, 12, 26, and 52 weeks. Longitudinal growth rate <50 µm per week was defined as physeal arrest. Descriptive statistics were used for evaluation.Results:Physeal arrest was obtained in 19 of the 21 children (40 physes) within 12 weeks postoperatively. One child was reoperated on in three out of four physes because of continued growth, and in one child, delayed physeal arrest was present at 26 weeks postoperatively. Time to physeal arrest was longer in physes with a higher immediate postoperative growth rate.Conclusion:Postoperative follow-up with radiostereometric analysis at 12 and 15 weeks can determine whether physeal arrest has been achieved. The immediate postoperative growth rate after physiodesis seems to affect the time to physeal arrest. This implies that the risk for complications is greater for children during an accelerated growth period, for example, in boys, younger children and in distal femoral physes.Level of evidence:level III.

Towards precision medicine for clinically non-functioning pituitary tumours.

Clinically non-functioning pituitary tumours (NFPT) are a heterogenous group of neoplasms with diverse outcomes. The purpose of this narrative review was to summarize available data on predictive factors, both in routine practice and research settings. A literature review was conducted for papers published in peer-reviewed journals, investigating clinical, radiological, pathological and genetic predictive factors in NFPT. Several clinical and radiological factors have been associated with NFPT recurrence and/or aggressiveness, including larger size and pre-/post-operative growth rates. Application of transcription factor immunohistochemistry has given rise to improved subtype identification, including 'higher-risk' subtypes, in routine clinical practice. Numerous other pathological and genetic biomarkers have demonstrated promise for prognostication in the research setting. NFPT are a heterogenous group of tumours, characterized by diverse presentation, pathogenesis and outcomes. Ongoing refinements in understanding of tumour biology are likely to pave the way to improved integrative prognostication and precision medicine for NFPT.

Predictors of recurrence and high growth rate of residual meningiomas after subtotal resection.

The extent of resection has been shown to improve outcomes in patients with meningiomas. However, resection can be complicated by constraining local anatomy, leading to subtotal resections. An understanding of the natural history of residual tumors is necessary to better guide postsurgical management and minimize recurrence. This study seeks to identify predictors of recurrence and high growth rate following subtotal resection of intracranial meningiomas. Adult patients who underwent primary surgical resection of a WHO grade I meningioma at a tertiary care institution from 2007-2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Volumetric tumor measurements were made on patients with subtotal resections. Stepwise multivariate proportional hazards regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with time to recurrence, as well as stepwise multivariate regression analyses to assess for factors associated with high postoperative growth rate. Of the 141 patients (18%) who underwent radiographic subtotal resection of an intracranial meningioma during the reviewed period, 74 (52%) suffered a recurrence, in which the median (interquartile range, IQR) time to recurrence was 14 (IQR 6-34) months. Among those tumors subtotally resected, the median pre- and postoperative tumor volumes were 17.19 cm3 (IQR 7.47-38.43 cm3) and 2.31 cm3 (IQR 0.98-5.16 cm3), which corresponded to a percentage resection of 82% (IQR 68%-93%). Postoperatively, the median growth rate was 0.09 cm3/year (IQR 0-1.39 cm3/year). Factors associated with recurrence in multivariate analysis included preoperative tumor volume (hazard ratio [HR] 1.008,95% confidence interval [CI] 1.002-1.013, p = 0.008), falcine location (HR 2.215, 95% CI 1.179-4.161, p = 0.021), tentorial location (HR 2.410, 95% CI 1.203-4.829, p = 0.024), and African American race (HR 1.811, 95% CI 1.042-3.146, p = 0.044). Residual volume (RV) was associated with high absolute annual growth rate (odds ratio [OR] 1.175, 95% CI 1.078-1.280, p < 0.0001), with the maximum RV benefit at < 5 cm3 (OR 4.056, 95% CI 1.675-9.822, p = 0.002). By identifying predictors of recurrence and growth rate, this study helps identify potential patients with a high chance of recurrence following subtotal resection, which are those with large preoperative tumor volume, falcine location, tentorial location, and African American race. Higher RVs were associated with tumors with higher postoperative growth rates. Recurrences typically occurred 14 months after surgery.

Lack of durability after transarterial ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer-embolization of type II endoleak following endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

Background: Type II endoleak (T2EL) after endovascular aortic repair is associated with AAA sac enlargements in up to 25%, reduction of attachment zones and rarely with aortic rupture. Indications for therapy and efficacy of interventions of T2EL are not clearly established. Transarterial embolization with application of ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer has been described with varying outcomes. Aim of this study is to evaluate durability of OnyxTM embolization (OE) in T2EL in a consecutive series at a single tertiary vascular center. Patients and methods: Demographic data, technical success, pre- and postoperative aneurysm growth, morbidity, mortality and reintervention rates during hospital stay as well as in follow up were recorded in patients treated with OE for T2EL between 01/2015 and 12/2017. The primary endpoint was defined as persistence or reoccurrence of T2EL (durability of OE). Results: In total 15 patients (78±6years, 13 men) were treated with OE because of sac enlargement (average growth of 12±8%, n=12), persistent bleeding after AAA rupture (n=2) or persistent T2EL with stable but large aneurysm diameter (n=1). Mean length of stay was 8±11 days. Technical success was 93.3% (n=14). Inhospital-morbidity was 26.7%, in-hospital- and 1-year-mortality rate were 6.6% (n=1) and 20.0% (n=3). T2EL persisted in 20.0% (n=3) despite of OE. Re-EL-II occurred after 40 (30-114) days in 33.3% (n=5). Reintervention rate was 13.3% (n=2, atday 48 and 319). Altogether clinical success with stable aneurysm diameter was achieved in 80.0% (n=12), but durable elimination of EL was only achieved in 46.7% of patients (n=7). Conclusions: OE is technically possible in more than 90% of patients but might be associated with severe complications. Durability of this treatment is low, since T2EL persist or reoccur in more than 50% of all patients. OE of T2EL should be reserved for few selected cases.

Managing NF2-associated vestibular schwannomas in children and young adults: review of an institutional series regarding effects of surgery and bevacizumab on growth rates, tumor volume, and hearing quality

We reviewed our experience in managing of NF2-associated vestibular schwannoma (VS) in children and young adults regarding the effect of surgery and postoperative bevacizumab treatment. A total of 579 volumetric and hearing data sets were analyzed. The effect of surgery on tumor volume and growth rate was investigated in 46 tumors and on hearing function in 39 tumors. Long-term hearing follow-up behavior was compared with 20 non-operated ears in additional 15 patients. Sixteen operated VS were treated with bevacizumab. Mutation analysis of the NF2 gene was performed in 25 patients. Surgery significantly slowed down VS growth rate. Factors associated with a higher growth rate were increasing patient age, tumor volume, and constitutional truncating mutations. Immediately after surgery, functional hearing was maintained in 82% of ears. Deterioration of hearing was associated with initial hearing quality, larger tumor volumes, and larger resection amounts. Average hearing scores were initially better in the group of non-operated VS. Over time, hearing scores in both groups worsened with a similar dynamic. During bevacizumab treatment of residual tumors, four different patterns of growth were observed. Decompression of the internal auditory canal with various degrees of tumor resection decreases the postoperative tumor growth rates. Carefully tailored BAEP-guided surgery does not cause additional hearing deterioration. Secondary bevacizumab treatment showed heterogenous effects both regarding tumor size and hearing preservation. It seems that postoperative tumor residuals, that grow slower, behave differently to bevacizumab than reported for not-operated faster growing VS.

Erratum. Predictors of recurrence and high growth rate of residual meningiomas after subtotal resection.

OBJECTIVE The extent of resection has been shown to improve outcomes in patients with meningiomas. However, resection can be complicated by constraining local anatomy, leading to subtotal resections. An understanding of the natural history of residual tumors is necessary to better guide postsurgical management and minimize recurrence. This study seeks to identify predictors of recurrence and high growth rate following subtotal resection of intracranial meningiomas. METHODS Adult patients who underwent primary surgical resection of a WHO grade I meningioma at a tertiary care institution from 2007-2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Volumetric tumor measurements were made on patients with subtotal resections. Stepwise multivariate proportional hazards regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with time to recurrence, as well as stepwise multivariate regression analyses to assess for factors associated with high postoperative growth rate. RESULTS Of the 141 patients (18%) who underwent radiographic subtotal resection of an intracranial meningioma during the reviewed period, 74 (52%) suffered a recurrence, in which the median (interquartile range, IQR) time to recurrence was 14 (IQR 6-34) months. Among those tumors subtotally resected, the median pre- and postoperative tumor volumes were 17.19 cm3 (IQR 7.47-38.43 cm3) and 2.31 cm3 (IQR 0.98-5.16 cm3), which corresponded to a percentage resection of 82% (IQR 68%-93%). Postoperatively, the median growth rate was 0.09 cm3/year (IQR 0-1.39 cm3/year). Factors associated with recurrence in multivariate analysis included preoperative tumor volume (hazard ratio [HR] 1.008,95% confidence interval [CI] 1.002-1.013, p = 0.008), falcine location (HR 2.215, 95% CI 1.179-4.161, p = 0.021), tentorial location (HR 2.410, 95% CI 1.203-4.829, p = 0.024), and African American race (HR 1.811, 95% CI 1.042-3.146, p = 0.044). Residual volume (RV) was associated with high absolute annual growth rate (odds ratio [OR] 1.175, 95% CI 1.078-1.280, p < 0.0001), with the maximum RV benefit at < 5 cm3 (OR 4.056, 95% CI 1.675-9.822, p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS By identifying predictors of recurrence and growth rate, this study helps identify potential patients with a high chance of recurrence following subtotal resection, which are those with large preoperative tumor volume, falcine location, tentorial location, and African American race. Higher RVs were associated with tumors with higher postoperative growth rates. Recurrences typically occurred 14 months after surgery.

Management of NF2-associated vestibular schwannomas in children and young adults: influence of surgery and clinical factors on tumor volume and growth rate.

The authors' aim was to evaluate the tumor volume and growth rate of neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2)-associated vestibular schwannomas (VSs) and the clinical factors or type of mutations before and after surgery in children and adults younger than 25 years at the time of diagnosis. A total of 579 volumetric measurements were performed in 46 operated tumors in 28 NF2 patients, using thin-slice (< 3 mm) T1-weighted contrast-enhanced MRI. The follow-up period ranged from 21 to 167 months (mean 75 months). Growth rate was calculated using a multilinear regression model. Mutation analysis of the NF2 gene was performed in 25 patients. Surgery significantly (p = 0.013) slowed the VS growth rate from 0.69 ± 1.30 cm3/yr to 0.23 ± 0.42 cm3/yr. Factors significantly associated with a higher growth rate of VSs were increasing patient age (p < 0.0005), tumor volume (p = 0.006), tumor size (p = 0.001), and constitutional truncating mutations in the NF2 gene (p = 0.018). VS growth rates tended to be higher in patients with spinal ependymomas and in right-sided tumors and lower in the presence of peripheral schwannomas; however, no statistical significance was achieved. Decompression of the internal auditory canal with various degrees of tumor resection decreases the postoperative tumor growth rate in children and young adults with NF2-associated VS. Patients with potential risk factors for accelerated growth (e.g., large volume, truncating mutations) and with increasing age should be monitored more closely before and after surgery.

Physical Growth of the Contralateral Cerebrum is Preserved After Hemispherotomy in Childhood

BackgroundHemispherotomy can be an effective treatment for refractory childhood epilepsy. However, the extent of postoperative brain development after hemispherotomy remains incompletely understood. This study aims to provide an anatomic foundation in assessing development of the contralateral hemisphere, by measuring volumetric growth after hemispherotomy. MethodsEleven patients with hemimegalencephaly, Rasmussen's encephalitis, and cerebral infarction who underwent hemispherotomy before age 12 years, an immediate preoperative magnetic resonance imaging, and at least three years of follow-up magnetic resonance imagings were retrospectively analyzed. The volume of the contralateral hemisphere was measured before and after surgery. Growth curves were compared with those of healthy individuals from an open database. The growth rate relative to the healthy individuals (“catch-up rate”) was calculated. ResultsA positive volumetric growth of the contralateral hemisphere was observed across all pathologies. The hemimegalencephaly subgroup underwent hemispherotomy at the earliest time and had the largest postoperative growth rate, which exceeded that of healthy individuals. The Rasmussen subgroup underwent surgery at the second earliest time and had an intermediate growth rate, which was similar to that of healthy individuals. The infarction subgroup underwent surgery at the latest time and had the slowest growth rate, which was less than that of healthy individuals. ConclusionsThe contralateral hemisphere continues to increase in volume after hemispherotomy in childhood. Further studies with a larger sample size and correlation with cognitive outcomes may aid in characterizing the prognosis after hemispherotomy.

Growth of Pituitary Macroadenomas Postpartial Resection: Implications for Adjuvant Radiotherapy.

Objective To determine the volumetric growth in macroadenomas (MAs) patients with residual postoperative disease and to identify subpopulations with rapid postoperative growth rate that may benefit from early salvage radiotherapy (RT). Methods Patients who had undergone a partial resection for MAs and did not receive immediate postoperative RT were eligible. Residual tissue was contoured on serial magnetic resonance imaging and planimetric and volumetric changes in size were measured. Growth rates were established by a single observer using serial volumetric measurements. Data were analyzed to find a relationship among growth rate, adjuvant treatment, and patient and tumor characteristics. Results Thirty-one patients met the eligibility criteria. Nine patients (29%) required adjuvant treatment because of tumor growth. Volumetric growth was identified 95% of the time compared with 64% planimetrically. Planimetric growth could not be established in 10% of patients showing volumetric changes. Median growth rate was 0.4464 mL/y. Growth rate positively correlated with size of residual postoperative volume ( p < 0.001). Receiving salvage treatment positively correlated with growth rate ( p = 0.001), particularly at a rate above 2.19 mL/y ( p = 0.0064). Five patients (16%) had a growth rate above this level, all of which required salvage treatment. Patients with postoperative residual volume > 3.95 mL were most likely to experience rapid growth rate and require salvage treatment ( p = 0.007). Conclusion Volumetric measurement was found to be superior to planimetric measurement in detecting changes in patients with residual tumors. Patients with postoperative residual volume > 3.95 mL should be considered for early treatment with RT.

Tumor Progression Following Petroclival Meningioma Subtotal Resection: A Volumetric Study.

One study has investigated postoperative growth rates following subtotal resection of petroclival meningiomas utilizing linear measurements, which are insensitive to the multidimensional complex growth of meningiomas, to estimate tumor volume. To describe petroclival meningioma growth patterns following less-than-complete resection utilizing volumetric analysis and to identify variables associated with tumor progression. Patients with surgically resected WHO grade I petroclival meningiomas were retrospectively reviewed (1999-2015). Image analysis software was utilized to perform volumetric analyses of tumor size and growth on serial MRI studies. The impact of preoperative and postoperative variables on tumor growth after subtotal resection was analyzed. An increase in tumor volume of at least 20% was defined as "tumor growth." Twenty-three patients had immediate preoperative and serial postoperative MRI studies available for review. The mean preoperative tumor volume was 20.9 cm3 (range 0.4-54.6). The mean extent of resection was 75.5% (range 31.5%-100.0%). At a mean follow-up of 24.8 mo, 12 tumors (66.7%) exhibited radiological tumor growth, while 6 tumors did not change in size. The median annual volumetric growth rate was 2.82 cm3/yr (range -0.34 to 10.1). Extent of resection and immediate postoperative tumor volume were significantly correlated with the annual volumetric growth rate following resection. At last follow-up, 3 (13%) patients required further intervention. The majority of petroclival meningiomas exhibit growth following subtotal resection. Extent of resection is strongly associated with risk for disease progression following surgery.

The Natural Growth Rate of Residual Juvenile Angiofibroma.

Objectives Examine the postoperative growth rate of residual juvenile angiofibroma (JA) in a large series of patients relative to pediatric growth parameters and other prognostic factors. Establish an algorithm for postoperative surveillance of patients with JA. Design Retrospective case series. Setting Tertiary referral academic center. Participants Pediatric patients undergoing surgical resection of JA between September 2005 and June 2015. Main Outcome Measures Postoperative recurrence and tumor growth rates. Results Thirty-eight patients were identified with a mean follow-up of 24.1 months. Sixty-eight percent (26/34) of patients achieved gross total resection, and 32% (12/38) had persistent postoperative disease. Of those with postoperative residual tumor, all had preoperative skull base involvement and residual blood supply from the internal carotid artery following embolization. Sixty-seven percent (8/12) of patients with postoperative residual tumor demonstrated radiographic stability of disease with scans being completed approximately every 6 months. Radiographic rates of disease progression ranged from 4.1 to 9.22 mm/year. Conclusions Patients with preoperative skull base involvement and residual vascularity following preoperative embolization are more likely to have residual postoperative disease, and a longer postoperative follow-up is warranted in these patients. Progression of residual disease occurred approximately 7.5 months postoperatively. Younger patients may be more likely to need further intervention for postoperative residual disease, and postoperative imaging at 6-month intervals appears appropriate.

Predictors for secondary therapy after surgical resection of nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas.

Factors determining recurrence of nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas (NFAs) that require further therapy are unclear as are postoperative follow-up imaging guidelines. We aimed to identify predictors for secondary therapy after surgical resection of NFAs and use this knowledge to inform postoperative management. A single-centre retrospective study of surgically resected NFAs in 108 patients followed for up to 15years. Serial tumour images were analysed for size, location and growth rate (GR) and tissue analysed for hormone cell type and proliferation indices with secondary treatment as outcome measure. Twenty-four of 66 (36%) patients harbouring a postoperative remnant required secondary treatment, all occurring within 10years. No secondary treatment was required in any of 42 patients with complete tumour resection. Age, gender, remnant volume and tumour histology were not different between patients requiring and not requiring secondary therapy. Remnant GRs in those requiring secondary therapy were more than 10-fold higher (P<.01). Tumours with a GR ≥80mm3 /y (Hazard Ratio[HR]: 8.1, Confidence Interval [CI]: 2.4-27.3,P<.01) and those located in the suprasellar region (HR: 6.1, CI: 1.1-32, P=.03) had a higher risk for secondary therapy. Tumour GR in the first three postoperative years correlated significantly (r2 =.6, P<.01) with GR during the period of follow-up. In surgically resected NFAs further treatment is dependent on the presence of residual tumour, growth rate and location but not tumour histology. Postoperative growth rate of NFAs in the first 3years of imaging can be used to tailor long-term follow-up to optimize use of health resources.

The Natural Growth Rate of Residual Juvenile Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma

Introduction: The surgical management of juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibromas (JNA) is well described; however, the exact role and time course of postoperative surveillance and imaging remains unknown. With reported recurrence rates of upwards of 50% in some cases, the need for post-operative imaging following surgical resection of JNA is relevant. It has been hypothesized in the literature that a surge in hormones during puberty may induce growth of residual tumor. However, the natural growth rate of this rare tumor in the postoperative setting remains unknown. The goal of this study is to examine the postoperative growth rate of residual disease in a large series of patients relative to pediatric growth parameters and other prognostic factors, and to establish an algorithm for postoperative surveillance.

Growth Patterns of Pituitary Adenomas and Histopathological Correlates

The factors associated with pituitary adenoma (PA) growth rate remain unclear. The objective of the study was to establish whether the preoperative growth and extension pattern of PA can predict postoperative growth rate and recurrence in addition to whether the PA growth rate correlates with proliferation and growth factor expression. One hundred fifty-three consecutive patients who underwent surgery for pituitary adenoma from 1999 to 2011 at Toronto Western Hospital were identified. The PA growth rate was measured both pre- and postoperatively, and its association with patient demographics, magnetic resonance imaging, and histolopathological parameters was determined. The preoperative growth rate was associated with age (P = .0001), suprasellar growth (P = .003), the presence of a cyst/hemorrhage (P = .004), the mindbomb homolog-1 (P = .005), fibroblast growth factor receptor-4 positivity (P = .047), and p27 negativity (P = .007). After surgery, there were 34.6% residual volumes, which were associated with older age (P = .038) and also with growth patterns including anterior, posterior, suprasellar, and cavernous sinus extension (P = .001); 43.3% of these residuals grew and postoperative growth rate was calculated. Pre- and postoperative growth rates were correlated (r = 0.497, P = .026). Postoperative growth rate was associated with age (P = .015) and gender (P = .017). Our data suggest that the growth rate of PAs are influenced by various patient- and tumor-specific characteristics including the age and sex of the patient, the specific subtype of PA, its hormonal activity, its immunohistochemical profile including the mindbomb homolog 1 labeling index status, and its preponderance for different growth directions relative to the pituitary fossa. Furthermore, the pre- and postoperative PA growth rates were correlated, suggesting that postoperative PA growth rates can be predicted, in part, by preoperative growth rates, thus better informing postoperative outcome.

Inter- and intrapatients comparison of WHO grade II glioma kinetics before and after surgical resection

Grade II gliomas grow slowly and linearly (at rates about 4 mm/year) before undergoing anaplastic transformation. In order to analyze how surgery may affect radiological grade II glioma kinetics, we restrospectively reviewed our national database searching for patients operated on for a supratentorial grade II glioma between 1997 and 2007. We selected patients with at least two postoperative MRI with a minimal delay of 6 months. For each patient, postoperative residues were segmented on successive MRIs. Velocities of diameter expansion were estimated by linear regression of mean diameter evolution for each patient. Fifty-four patients fulfilled inclusion criteria. Median postoperative follow-up was 1.6 years with, on average, 3.4 MRI examinations per patient. Postoperative growth rates of mean diameter were normally distributed, around a mean value of 4.3 mm/year (SD = 3.2 mm/year). Statistical analysis showed no difference between this distribution and the distribution of preoperative growth rates in a previous series of 143 grade II gliomas. For a subset of 23 patients, delay between first MRI and surgery made it possible to estimate also preoperative growth rates. Intrapatient comparison revealed that growth rates were grossly unchanged for 80% of cases. In summary, inter- and intrapatient comparison of pre- and postoperative growth rates proves that surgery does not change grade II glioma dynamics, thus, acting as a cytoreduction.

Pediatric Feeding Disorder and Growth Decline following Mandibular Distraction Osteogenesis

Mandibular distraction osteogenesis has proven to be an effective treatment for upper airway obstruction related to micrognathia. Changes in the aerodigestive space can help facilitate tracheostomy removal in children and prevent tracheostomy in newborns. However, this may also precipitate changes in the ability to orally feed. There are few data on early postoperative feeding and growth rate following mandibular lengthening. The authors found evidence of growth rate decline and feeding difficulty in pediatric patients following mandibular distraction osteogenesis. Ten pediatric patients underwent mandibular distraction osteogenesis for treatment of upper airway obstruction. Outcomes in resolution of upper airway obstruction, oral feeding success, and growth rate were analyzed. Follow-up ranged from 12 to 28 months. All 10 patients had complete resolution of upper airway obstruction. The length of distraction ranged from 10 to 17 mm. Three patients demonstrated a feeding disorder after mandibular distraction osteogenesis, defined as requiring a long-term (>1 month) alternate feeding method (gastric tube in two patients and gastric gavage in one). Seven of 10 patients exhibited an early decline in growth rate following distraction. Data used to determine growth rate changes were weight measurements at the time of distraction, at the time of distractor removal (6 to 8 weeks after distraction), and at 6 and 12 months after the date of distraction initiation. These results suggest that infants and children undergoing mandibular lengthening by distraction osteogenesis should be carefully monitored for postdistraction feeding disorder and growth rate disturbance.

MOSHER AWARD HONORABLE MENTION

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis 1) Develop a computerized technique to accurately compare acoustic neuroma size on routine computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans; 2) use this technique to determine the growth pattern in a large series of patients with acoustic neuroma who were conservatively managed; 3) describe the natural history of patients with acoustic neuromas who did not receive surgical intervention and those who underwent subtotal resection; 4) correlate the size and growth rate of acoustic neuromas to clinical presentation and auditory and vestibular testing; and 5) recommend guidelines for the management of patients with acoustic neuromas.Study Design A retrospective study from 1974 to 1999 of patients with unilateral acoustic neuromas who had conservative treatment by serial imaging studies (80 patients) or subtotal resection (49 patients).Methods All patient charts were evaluated for presenting symptoms, reasons for the type of management given, and clinical outcome. Charts were also reviewed with respect to serial audiological assessment, electronystagmography, and brainstem auditory evoked response. Imaging studies were analyzed using a computer technique so that serial studies could be compared to determine growth rates.Results Rigorous computer analysis of tumor size and growth rate was statistically the same as the radiologist's description of the tumor size and growth rate. Of 70 patients who were older than 65 years of age old at the time their tumor was discovered, 4 (5.7%) required intervention and 18 (26%) were dead of unrelated causes. These patients had a mean follow‐up of 4.8 years (range, 0.01–17.2 y). Overall, growth rate for nonsurgical patients was 0.91 mm per year. Nonsurgical tumors did not grow or regressed in 42.3%. Overall postoperative growth rate for surgical subtotal resection patients was 0.35 mm per year. Surgical tumors did not grow or regressed after subtotal resection of acoustic neuroma in 68.5% of patients. Three patients (6.1%) required revision surgery because of tumor growth or the development of symptoms. Neither auditory nor vestibular testing was a reliable measure for determining tumor growth.Conclusion Measurement of the maximal tumor diameter on MRI scans is a reliable method for following acoustic neuroma growth. There is no need to perform a rigorous analysis of tumor size to determine whether the tumor is growing significantly. The vast majority of patients older than 65 years with acoustic neuromas do not require intervention. The indications for intervention should be based on a combination of rapid tumor growth with the development of symptoms.

Severe tibial growth retardation in total fibular hemimelia after limb lengthening.

Seven patients with total fibular hemimelia who underwent limb-lengthening procedures prior to skeletal maturity were evaluated for tibial and femoral growth after lengthening. The average preoperative follow-up was 6.5 years and all patients were followed to skeletal maturity. Thirteen segments (eight tibiae and five femora) were lengthened by three methods (Wagner, Ilizarov, and modified Ilizarov). The average preoperative limb-length discrepancy was 9.7 cm, and the average projected limb-length discrepancy at skeletal maturity was 12.5 cm. The average tibial lengthening was 6.7 cm (range, 5.3-10) with an average percentage of lengthening of 26% (range, 19-40%). The average postoperative growth rate of the tibia was 80% (range, 70-100%) and of the femur, 83% (range, 70-90%) of the normal side. Five tibiae showed a decrease in the average preoperative growth rate from 82.5% (range, 70-100%) to 39% (range, 26-54%) of the normal side. Two tibiae had no longitudinal growth after lengthening. The average postoperative growth rate of the femur decreased from 83% (range, 70-90%) to 61% (range, 26-125%). In one patient there was an increase in the rate of growth of the femur. These findings suggest that limb lengthening in skeletally immature children with total fibular hemimelia results in severe growth retardation of the tibia after lengthening. The subsequent growth of the tibia after lengthening in patients with total fibular hemimelia is unpredictable.