Simpson Grade Research Articles

Analysis of the Predictability of Postoperative Meningioma Resection Status Based on Clinical Features

Background: Our aim was to investigate the predictability of postoperative meningioma resection status based on clinical features. Methods: We examined 23 clinical features to assess their effectiveness in distinguishing gross total resections (GTR) from subtotal resections (STR). We analyzed whether GTR/STR cases are better predictable if the classification is based on the Simpson grading or the postoperative operative tumor volume (POTV). Results: Using a study cohort comprising a total of 157 patients, multivariate models for the preoperative prediction of GTR/STR outcome in relation to Simpson grading and POTV were developed and subsequently compared. Including only two clinical features, our models showed a notable discriminatory power in predicting postoperative resection status. Our final model, a straightforward decision tree applicable in daily clinical practice, achieved a mean AUC of 0.885, a mean accuracy of 0.866, a mean sensitivity of 0.889, and a mean specificity of 0.772 based on independent test data. Conclusions: Such models can be a valuable tool both for surgical planning and for early planning of postoperative treatment, e.g., for additional radiotherapy/radiosurgery, potentially required in case of subtotal resections.

Giant Olfactory Groove Meningiomas: A Case Series Demonstrating the Surgical Management and Functional Outcomes

Abstract Objective Giant olfactory groove meningiomas (OGMs) present technical challenges in their management, especially when their size and location complicate the evaluation and planning process, making complete removal difficult. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the surgical approaches and outcomes encountered in the management of giant OGMs at a single institution. Materials and Methods This retrospective study evaluated surgical and functional outcomes in 71 patients diagnosed with giant OGMs larger than 6 cm. Tumors were excised using microsurgical resection via the bifrontal, pterional, or combined pterional and unifrontal approaches. Results The study comprised 48 females (67.6%) and 23 males (32.4%), with a mean age of 54.1 years. The most common pathological type was meningothelial meningioma (45%). The bifrontal approach was the most frequently used (n = 47, 66.2%) and resulted in Simpson grade I or II resection in 41 patients (87.2%). The combined pterional and unifrontal approaches were used in 16 patients (22.5%), achieving Simpson grade I or II resection in 12 (75%). The pterional approach was the least commonly used (n = 8), with Simpson grade I or II resection achieved in 50% of these patients. Postoperatively, visual acuity and cognitive function improved during follow-up. Postoperative complications were frequently observed after the bifrontal approach. Three patients (4.2%) died. Conclusion The bifrontal approach resulted in better resection of giant OGMs than other approaches but was associated with more complications. The combined pterional and unifrontal approach was superior to the pterional approach in terms of OGM resection, with no differences in complication rates. Significant postoperative improvements in functional outcomes, including visual acuity and cognitive function, were observed.

MNGA-01 ÉPILEPSIE LIÉE AU MÉNINGIOME: À PROPOS DE DEUX CAS

Abstract BACKGROUND Meningiomas are the most common intracranial primary neoplasms. Seizures are a common manifestation of these tumors (10% to 50%). PURPOSE To present 2 cases of meningioma-related epilepsy and discuss the predictive factors for preoperative and postoperative seizures, their physiopathology and their management. CASE REPORTS The first patient is a 36-years-old male with a 16 years history of epilepsy revealing an underlying left frontoparietal meningioma which benefited from a Simpson grade 1 surgical resection with a seizure free postoperative outcome. The second patient is a 46-years-old man with a 6 months history of seizures revealing a right parieto-occipital meningioma requiring surgical removal with persistence of seizures on postoperative follow-up. CONCLUSION Seizures are a common occurrence both prior to and after meningioma resection, and can have a significant negative impact on patient quality of life. Further efforts are required for better understanding and predicting seizures in meningioma as well as plan their medical treatment.

MNGA-07 CHARACTERISTICS AND OUTCOMES OF FOUR PARASAGITTAL TUMORS EXCISED AT PARIRENYATWA CENTRAL HOSPITAL, ZIMBABWE

Abstract OBJECTIVE To investigate the clinical features and outcomes of patients undergoing excision of parasagittal tumors at Parirenyatwa Central Hospital, Zimbabwe over a six-month period between October 2023 to March 2024. METHOD The clinical and operation notes of patients with parasagittal tumors who underwent excision were retrieved from the hospital archives and used to populate a pre-developed tool. RESULTS Four cases were operated on with their ages ranging from 33 to 61 years. There were three males and one female with the average duration of presenting symptoms being 2 years 3 months from a range of 6 months to 4 years. Two of the tumors were located in the middle third of the superior sagittal sinus while there was 1 of each in the posterior and anterior third location. All of the masses were Sindou type I except for 1 case which was a type II Sindou classification. No preoperative embolization was done for all the patients and the masses were categorized as large with the masses measuring 6 x 7 x 9, 7 x 5 x 4.5, 7.3 x 5.6 x 7.4 and 7 x 8 x 9 centimeters. Intraoperatively 2 cases did not receive blood transfusion while one received 1 unit, and the Sindou type II patient received 2 units. The extent of resection was Simpson grade II for 3 cases and Simpson IV for the Sindou type II case. All the patients were discharged from in-hospital care. The immunohistopathology showed that the excised massed were 2 cases of type 1 meningiomas, a xanthomatous meningioma and a solitary fibrous tumor. CONCLUSION The parasaggital sinus tumors presenting at Parirenyatwa, Zimbabwe are large and outcomes of excision are generally good despite no preoperative embolization being undertaken.

Surgical Treatment of Spinal Intra-Extradural Meningioma: A Clinical Case

Spinal meningiomas are rare, predominantly benign tumors that exhibit slow growth and typically have a non-invasive pattern of development. They originate from arachnoid cells and fibroblasts of the dura mater. Despite their benign nature, some meningiomas can exhibit intra-extradural extension, complicating both diagnosis and treatment. This article presents a clinical case involving a patient with an intra-extradural spinal meningioma. Despite radiological imaging suggesting a neurinoma, the final diagnosis confirmed a meningioma. Case Report: A female patient underwent surgical tumor resection through a posterolateral approach with laminectomy and facetectomy at the C4-C5 vertebral levels. The tumor, extending through the intervertebral foramen, was completely resected along with the affected nerve root. Histological examination verified a Grade II meningioma. Discussion: Despite advancements in neuroimaging and surgical techniques, intraoperative findings can be unpredictable, necessitating an adaptive approach to tumor resection. The article emphasizes the importance of adequate preoperative planning and the use of intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring to reduce the risk of complications and improve treatment outcomes. Conclusions: The primary treatment for spinal meningiomas is surgical. For dorsal and lateral localizations, total resection with the involved dura mater (Simpson Grade I) is optimal. For ventral localizations, tumor resection with coagulation of the dural attachment site (Simpson Grade II) is preferred. Preoperative and intraoperative use of electrophysiological methods is recommended to assess the functional status of neural structures. Intra-extradural localization of meningiomas is rare and presents significant challenges in preoperative diagnosis, requiring specific skills for effective removal.

Multiple Meningiomas with Different Histological Patterns in the Same Patient: Do They Exist? A Case Report and Literature Review

AbstractMeningiomas are the most common form of primary intracranial tumors, accounting for 13 to 26% of total neoplasms arising from arachnoid cap cells of the meningeal layer covering the central nervous system. Multiple intracranial meningiomas, which often have a syndromic association, account for less than 10% of total meningiomas. Multiple meningiomas with different histological patterns or grades in the same patient are very rare. Here we report such a rare case of meningioma with different histological patterns in the same patient. A 56-year-old lady presented to us with complaints of progressive right-sided weakness and speech disturbances, and her magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed two distinct extra-axial lesions over left frontal convexity and left fronto-temporo-parietal convexity. She underwent left fronto-temporo-parietal craniectomy and Simpson grade 1 excision of the lesions. Her histopathological examination revealed two different histological patterns: lesion 1 (left fronto-temporo-parietal convexity) was reported as a transitional World Health Organization (WHO) grade 1 meningioma and lesion 2 (left frontal convexity) was reported as angiomatous WHO grade 1 meningioma. She recovered well and was discharged in a stable condition after 3 weeks. Multiple meningiomas are defined as at least two spatially separated meningiomas occurring at the same time or more than two meningiomas arising sequentially from two clearly distinct regions. The exact mechanism of multicentricity is unknown. The treatment protocol for different histological types in the same patient is not clear. The extent of surgical resection remains the mainstay of the treatment and these patients should be followed up closely to watch for recurrence or malignant transformation. The role of radiotherapy in multiple meningiomas is yet to be established.

Preoperative prediction of CNS WHO grade and tumour aggressiveness in intracranial meningioma based on radiomics and structured semantics

Preoperative identification of intracranial meningiomas with aggressive behaviour may help in choosing the optimal treatment strategy. Radiomics is emerging as a powerful diagnostic tool with potential applications in patient risk stratification. In this study, we aimed to compare the predictive value of conventional, semantic based and radiomic analyses to determine CNS WHO grade and early tumour relapse in intracranial meningiomas. We performed a single-centre retrospective analysis of intracranial meningiomas operated between 2007 and 2018. Recurrence within 5 years after Simpson Grade I-III resection was considered as early. Preoperative T1 CE MRI sequences were analysed conventionally by two radiologists. Additionally a semantic feature score based on systematic analysis of morphological characteristics was developed and a radiomic analysis were performed. For the radiomic model, tumour volume was extracted manually, 791 radiomic features were extracted. Eight feature selection algorithms and eight machine learning methods were used. Models were analysed using test and training datasets. In total, 226 patients were included. There were 21% CNS WHO grade 2 tumours, no CNS WHO grade 3 tumour, and 25 (11%) tumour recurrences were detected in total. In ROC analysis the best radiomic models demonstrated superior performance for determination of CNS WHO grade (AUC 0.930) and early recurrence (AUC 0.892) in comparison to the semantic feature score (AUC 0.74 and AUC 0.65) and conventional radiological analysis (AUC 0.65 and 0.54). The combination of human classifiers, semantic score and radiomic analysis did not markedly increase the model performance. Radiomic analysis is a promising tool for preoperative identification of aggressive and atypical intracranial meningiomas and could become a useful tool in the future.

Molecular classification to refine surgical and radiotherapeutic decision-making in meningioma.

Treatment of the tumor and dural margin with surgery and sometimes radiation are cornerstones of therapy for meningioma. Molecular classifications have provided insights into the biology of disease; however, response to treatment remains heterogeneous. In this study, we used retrospective data on 2,824 meningiomas, including molecular data on 1,686 tumors and 100 prospective meningiomas, from the RTOG-0539 phase 2 trial to define molecular biomarkers of treatment response. Using propensity score matching, we found that gross tumor resection was associated with longer progression-free survival (PFS) across all molecular groups and longer overall survival in proliferative meningiomas. Dural margin treatment (Simpson grade 1/2) prolonged PFS compared to no treatment (Simpson grade 3). Molecular group classification predicted response to radiotherapy, including in the RTOG-0539 cohort. We subsequently developed a molecular model to predict response to radiotherapy that discriminates outcome better than standard-of-care classification. This study highlights the potential for molecular profiling to refine surgical and radiotherapy decision-making.

Surgical outcome of sinodural meningiomas

IntroductionMeningiomas located in the posterior fossa and involving the sinodural angle at the junction of the transverse and sigmoid sinuses are uncommon and present unique challenges due to their complex anatomical location. Despite their distinctive features, they are frequently categorized with tentorial meningiomas in the literature. Materials and methodsThis retrospective study conducted at a tertiary care center involved 64 patients with sinodural meningiomas who underwent surgical treatment between 2010 and 2023. The analysis covered demographics, clinical presentation, radiological characteristics, surgical approaches, histopathological findings, and outcomes. ResultsThe cohort predominantly comprised females (83 %) with a mean age of 47.64 years. Headache (92.2 %) and gait disturbances (62.5 %) were the most common presenting symptoms. Preoperative imaging showed sinus involvement in 57.8 % of cases, predominating Sindou’s type 1 and type 6. Gross total resection (Simpson grades 1–2) was achieved in 40.6 % of cases. Postoperative complications included pseudomeningocele (9.4 %), especially in patients with hydrocephalus. ConclusionSinodural meningiomas represent a distinct subset of posterior fossa tumors, necessitating meticulous preoperative planning and intraoperative decision-making regarding sinus management. The study underscores the importance of individualized surgical strategies and highlights the role of radiosurgery in managing residual disease effectively.

The Impact of Molecular and Genetic Analysis on the Treatment of Patients with Atypical Meningiomas.

Meningiomas represent approximately 40% of all primary tumors of the central nervous system (CNS) and, based on the latest World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, are classified into three grades and fifteen subtypes. The optimal treatment comprises gross total tumor resection. The WHO grade and the extent of tumor resection assessed by the Simpson grading system are the most important predictors of recurrence. Atypical meningiomas, a grade 2 meningioma, which represent almost a fifth of all meningiomas, have a recurrence rate of around 50%. Currently, different histopathologic, cytogenetic, and molecular genetic alterations have been associated with different meningioma phenotypes; however, the data are insufficient to enable the development of specific treatment plans. The optimal treatment, in terms of adjuvant radiotherapy and postoperative systemic therapy in atypical meningiomas, remains controversial, with inconclusive evidence in the literature and existing studies. We review the recent literature to identify studies investigating relevant atypical meningioma biomarkers and their clinical application and effects on treatment options.

Optimum Surgical Strategies for Medial Sphenoid Wing Meningiomas: A Comprehensive Evaluation of Resection Extent, Visual Outcomes, and Vascular Injury

IntroductionVisual impairment affects 55-80% of medial sphenoid wing meningiomas (mSWMs) patients, making optic nerve (ON) decompression a critical surgical goal. 1–3 Complete resection often leads to better visual outcomes.4 However, involvement of critical neurovascular structures increases postoperative morbidity and mortality, with vascular injury reported in 18-20% of cases.3,5–7 This study aims to evaluate the relationship between the extent of resection (EOR), visual outcomes, and the incidence of vascular injury, seeking to identify the optimal surgical approach for mSWMs. Materials and MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed data from patients undergoing surgery for mSWM at our tertiary care center from January 2001 to December 2021. Inclusion criteria included histopathologically confirmed globoid mSWMs(N=89). Patients with recurrent tumors(n=14) or lost to follow-up (n=9) were excluded. We classified patients into two groups based on EOR using Simpson’s grade: Group 1(good-resection,Simpson Grade-I/II,n=51) and Group 2 (poor-resection,Simpson Grade III/IV,n=15). ResultsAmong 66(=N) patients, visual impairment was the most common symptom (81.8%), followed by headaches(77.3%) and seizures(27%). T2-hyperintensity on MRI[(OR:5.4, 95%CI:1.5- 18.6)(p-value<0.01)] and CS-extension[(OR:3.9, 95%CI:1.1-13.1)(p-value-0.02)] were independent significant predictors of poor resection. Visual status was preserved in 90.3% of Group-1 and 86.6% of Group-2, with no significant difference based on EOR. Vascular involvement was noted in 87.9%, higher than the vessel encasement(>1800)(57.6%,p=0.04). Vessel injury occurred in 7.8% of Group-1 and 6.6% of Group-2, with no significant impact on EOR. ConclusionCS-extension and T2-hyperintensity predict poor resection rates in mSWMs. While visual outcomes are not directly affected by EOR, long-term visual status may decline due to tumor recurrence and radiotherapy. Vascular injury incidence is not associated with EOR. Thus, the "maximal safe resection" of mSWMs involves a surgical strategy balancing targeted aggressive and conservative resection for maximal cytoreduction and functional preservation.

Calcified Meningiomas Demonstrate Equivocal Grade, Proliferation, and Immediate Surgical Outcomes

Meningioma calcification is thought to predict reduced growth potential and aggression. However, historical studies have primarily focused on correlating calcification in small meningiomas (diameter less than 2.5 cm) rather than analyzing characteristics of calcified meningiomas across all sizes. In this study, we investigate the pathologic and clinical implications of meningioma calcification. We utilized a historical database of 342 consecutive newly diagnosed intracranial meningiomas with preoperative computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging scans treated at a single institution from 2005 to 2019. We correlated the presence of calcification with patient demographics, grade, Mindbomb Homolog-1 index, location, volume, Simpson grade, and recurrence using both univariate and multivariate generalized linear models. On univariate analysis, no single variable correlated with tumor calcification. Notably, neither tumor 2021 World Health Organization grade (P = 0.91) nor Mindbomb Homolog-1 index (P = 0.62) predicted calcification. After accounting for demographic characteristics and tumor volume and location, there was no significant association between 2021 World Health Organization grade (P = 0.52) and Mindbomb Homolog-1 index (P = 0.54) and calcification. Calcification had no influence on resection grade (P = 0.59) or recurrence (P = 0.80). In this series, calcified meningiomas exhibited similar 2021 World Health Organization tumor grading distribution, proliferation indexes, and immediate surgical outcomes compared to their noncalcified counterparts. These findings question the historical role of using meningioma calcification as an independent guide to their management.

Spheno-Orbital Meningiomas: The Rationale behind the Decision-Making Process of Treatment Strategy.

Surgery stands as the primary treatment for spheno-orbital meningiomas, following a symptoms-oriented approach. We discussed the decision-making process behind surgical strategies through a review of medical records from 80 patients who underwent surgical resection at the University of Naples Federico II. Different surgical approaches were employed based on the tumor's location relative to the optic nerve's long axis, categorized into lateral (type I), medial (type II), and diffuse (type III). We examined clinical, neuroradiological, surgical, pathological, and outcome factors. Proptosis emerged as the most frequent symptom (97%), followed by visual impairment (59%) and ocular motility issues (35%). Type I represented 20%, type II 43%, and type III 17%. Growth primarily affected the optic canal (74%), superior orbital fissure (65%), anterior clinoid (60%), and orbital apex (59%). The resection outcomes varied, with Simpson grades I and II achieved in all type I cases, 67.5% of type II, and 18% of type III. Recurrence rates were highest in type II (41.8%) and type III (59%). Improvement was notable in proptosis (68%) and visual function (51%, predominantly type I). Surgery for spheno-orbital meningiomas should be tailored to each patient, considering individual characteristics and tumor features to improve quality of life by addressing primary symptoms like proptosis and visual deficits.

P.093 BMI as a predictor of recurrence in high-grade meningioma: A single center retrospective cohort study

Background: Elevated BMI has been proposed as a risk factor for the development of meningioma. The relationship between body mass index (BMI) and disease control in high-grade meningioma has not yet been examined. A retrospective cohort study was performed to assess the relationship between high-grade meningioma recurrence and BMI. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study of patients with Grade 2 or Grade 3 meningioma at a single tertiary care center between 2008 and 2017. We collected clinical data including age, sex, BMI, location, Simpson grade, brain invasion, and radiation treatments. Disease control was monitored on followup MRI scans. We stratified patients by BMI greater than or less than 25. Results: A total of 45 patients were included. Recurrence was observed in 15 patients (33.3%). There were 32 (71.1%) patients with BMI &gt; 25, and 13 (28.9%) patients with normal BMI. Patients with elevated BMI had higher risk of recurrence (p=0.04). Multivariate analysis identified BMI as an independent predictor of recurrence. Conclusions: Our results suggest that overweight patients with a Grade 2 or Grade 3 meningioma are at higher risk of recurrence than patients with normal BMI. The explanation for this association unknown. Further research is suggested to confirm and better characterize this association.

GR.6 Meningioma molecular classification predicts response to surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy: an integrated clinicomolecular analysis &amp; prospective validation

Background: Meningiomas are the most common intracranial tumor with surgery, dural margin treatment, and radiotherapy as cornerstones of therapy. Response to treatment continues to be highly heterogeneous even across tumors of the same grade. Methods: Using a cohort of 2490 meningiomas in addition to 100 cases from the prospective RTOG-0539 phase II clinical trial, we define molecular biomarkers of response across multiple different, recently defined molecular classifications and use propensity score matching to mimic a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the role of extent of resection, dural marginal resection, and adjuvant radiotherapy on clinical outcome. Results: Gross tumor resection led to improved progression-free-survival (PFS) across all molecular groups (MG) and improved overall survival in proliferative meningiomas (HR 0.52, 95%CI 0.30-0.93). Dural margin treatment (Simpson grade 1/2) improved PFS versus complete tumor removal alone (Simpson 3). MG reliably predicted response to radiotherapy, including in the RTOG-0539 cohort. A molecular model developed using clinical trial cases discriminated response to radiotherapy better than standard of care grading in multiple cohorts (ΔAUC 0.12, 95%CI 0.10-0.14). Conclusions: We elucidate biological and molecular classifications of meningioma that influence response to surgery and radiotherapy in addition to introducing a novel molecular-based prediction model of response to radiation to guide treatment decisions.

Surgical Approaches to Resection of Olfactory Groove Meningiomas: Comparative Meta-analysis of the Endoscopic Endonasal versus Transcranial and Unilateral versus Bilateral Approaches

Abstract Introduction Here we systematically review the extant literature to highlight the advantages of bilateral versus unilateral approaches and endoscopic endonasal (midline) approaches versus transcranial approaches for olfactory groove meningiomas, focusing on complications, extent of resection, and local recurrence rates. Methods Three databases were queried to identify all primary prospective trials and retrospective series comparing outcomes following endoscopic endonasal versus transcranial approaches and unilateral versus bilateral craniotomy for surgical resection of olfactory groove meningiomas. All articles were screened by two independent authors and selected for formal analysis according to predefined inclusion/exclusion criteria. Results Seven studies comprising 288 total patients (mean age 55.0 ± 24.6 years) met criteria for inclusion. In the three comparing the endoscopic endonasal (n = 21) versus transcranial (n = 32) approaches, there was no significant difference between the two with respect to gross total resection (p = 0.34) or rates of Simpson Grade 1 resection (p = 0.69). EEA demonstrated higher rates of overall complications (p &lt; 0.01) including postoperative infection (p = 0.03). In the four studies comparing bilateral (n = 117) versus unilateral approaches (n = 118), overall complication rates (p &lt; 0.01) and disease recurrence (p = 0.01) were higher with bilateral approaches. All surgery-related mortalities also occurred in the bilateral cohort (n = 7, 7.14%). Gross total resection (p = 0.63) and Simpson grade (p = 0.48) were comparable between approaches. Olfaction preservation was superior for unilateral approaches (p &lt; 0.01). Conclusions Though the literature is limited, current evidence suggests that the endoscopic endonasal approach may be favorable over conventional craniotomy for select olfactory groove meningioma patients. Where craniotomy is used, unilateral approaches appear to reduce complications and the risk of olfaction loss.

Recurrence of Resected Skull Base Meningiomas during Long-term Follow-up: Incidence and Predisposing Factors

Abstract Introduction Skull base meningiomas (SBMs) are often subtotally resected and there is a paucity of evidence regarding the long-term rates of postoperative tumor progression. We aimed to investigate the factors that influence tumor recurrence in patients with an extended period of follow-up. Methods Surgically resected tumors with long-term radiological follow-up were included for analysis. Data were collected on patient demographics, anatomical location, Simpson grade, World Health Organization (WHO) grade, modality of reintervention, and functional status. Recurrence was defined as tumor progression requiring intervention. Kaplan–Meier method and log-rank test were used to calculate recurrence-free probability. Cox regression analysis was used to determine factors associated with tumor progression. Results Sixty-one patients were identified. Median radiological follow-up was 11.25 (IQR 4.3) years. Median age at first surgery was 50 (IQR 17) years. A total of 55/61(90%) tumors were WHO grade I and 6/61(10%) were grade II. Gross total resection (GTR) was achieved in 37/61 (60.7%) patients with subtotal resection (STR) in 24/61 (39.3%). In total, 28/61(45.9%) demonstrated recurrence/regrowth with a median time to recurrence of 2.8 (IQR 5) years. Also, 15/37 (40.5%) and 13/24 (54.2%) patients with GTR and STR, respectively, had tumor recurrence. Of the 28 recurrences, 4/28 (14.3%) underwent reresection, 9/28 (32.1%) were managed with radiotherapy, and 15/28 (53.6%) received both reresection and radiotherapy. Tumor grade was the only significant predictor of tumor recurrence (p = 0.033). Neurological function at last follow-up was significantly worse (modified Rankin scale &gt;2) in patients with recurrence (p = 0.035). Conclusion Surgically resected SBMs are associated with a significant recurrence rate during prolonged follow-up, irrespective of the extent of resection achieved. We recommend a prolonged period of radiological surveillance for SBM following surgical resection.

The safety and use of perioperative dexamethasone in the perioperative management of primary sporadic supratentorial meningiomas.

Despite the lack of prospective evidence for the perioperative use of dexamethasone in meningioma surgery, its use is well established in the daily routine of several centers. The present study evaluates the effect of dexamethasone on postoperative complications, peritumoral T2/FLAIR hyperintensity, and progression-free survival in patients with supratentorial meningiomas undergoing resection. A total of 148 patients who underwent resection of a primary sporadic supratentorial meningioma at the authors' institution between 2018 and 2020 were included in this retrospective cohort. Safety criteria were side effects of dexamethasone (e.g. hyperglycemia), surgical morbidities, length of stay, and mortality. The individual Karnofsky Performance Scales (KPS) were evaluated regarding the individual development and the delta of KPS at 3- and 12-months compared to baseline KPS was calculated. Longitudinal assessment of the peritumoral T2-/FLAIR hyperintensity changes was performed. The use of both pre- and postoperative dexamethasone did not influence the incidence rates of wound infections, infarctions, postoperative seizures, pulmonary embolism, postoperative hemorrhage, mortality, length of stay, new-onset hyperglycemia and new neurological deficits. Perioperative Dexamethasone use was associated with an improved Karnofsky performance development at 3- (delta of KPS 3.3 vs. -1.9, p=0.001) and 12-months (delta of KPS 3.8 vs. -1.1, p=0.008) compared to the preoperative Karnofsky performance status. Multivariable analysis revealed that perioperative dexamethasone use enhances the KPS improvement (OR: 3.65, 95% CI: 1.01-13.18, p=0.048). Persistent peritumoral T2/FLAIR hyperintensity changes were observed in 35 cases of 70 patients with available follow-up images and a baseline edema (50.0%). Perioperative dexamethasone use enhanced the reduction of the preoperative peritumoral T2-/FLAIR hyperintensity changes (mean reduction of maximum diameter: 1.8 cm vs. 1.1 cm, p=0.023). Perioperative dexamethasone use was independently associated with a lower risk for persistent peritumoral T2-/FLAIR hyperintensity changes (OR: 3.77, 95% CI: 1.05-13.54, p=0.042) The perioperative use of dexamethasone did not influence the progression-free survival time in Simpson grade I or II resected WHO grade 1 meningiomas (log-rank test: p=0.27). Perioperative dexamethasone use seems to be safe in surgery for primary supratentorial meningiomas. Dexamethasone use might enhance the functionality by reducing postoperative peritumoral T2-/FLAIR hyperintensities. These findings highlight the need for prospective data.

Prognostic Factors and Outcomes in World Health Organization Grade 1 and Grade 2 Intracranial Meningiomas—5-Year Institutional Experience

Meningiomas are the most frequent primary intracranial tumor. While histological grade and grade of excision are established predictors of recurrence, the predictive ability of other clinical features, such as the role of radical excision of dural attachment and postoperative radiation therapy in intermediate-risk groups, remains unknown. Clinical and radiological features and surgical details were analyzed in 451 World Health Organization (WHO) grade 1 intracranial meningiomas and 248 WHO grade 2 meningiomas operated on between 2010 and 2015. Outcomes were assessed in 352 WHO grade 1 and 208 WHO grade 2 meningiomas, studying the effect of extent of resection and use of radiation therapy. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to determine differences in survival by extent of resection and use of postoperative radiation therapy in the treatment of the meningiomas. The mean age of the cohort was 46.3 years, with a female predominance. On univariate analysis, sex, WHO grade, and Simpson grade were significant predictors of recurrence. On multivariate analysis, WHO grade and Simpson grade remained significant predictors of recurrence. Recurrence was significantly associated with poor performance status and mortality. Postoperative radiation significantly improved progression-free survival among patients with grade 2 meningiomas who underwent gross total resection, but not among patients with grade 1 and grade 2 meningiomas who underwent subtotal resection. WHO grade and Simpson grade are independent predictors of recurrence in meningiomas. Regardless of WHO grade, gross total resection must be performed when possible, and postoperative radiation therapy may be recommended in grade 2 meningiomas.

Parasagittal Meningiomas: The Impact of Sinus Opening and Grade of Resection on Clinical Outcome and Recurrence in a Consecutive Series of Patients

Surgical management of parasagittal meningiomas (PMs) remains controversial in the literature. The need to pursue a resection as radical as possible and the high risk of venous injuries contribute to making the sinus opening a widely argued choice. This study aimed to analyze factors affecting the risk of recurrence and to assess clinical outcomes of patients who underwent surgical resection of PMs with conservative or aggressive management of the intrasinusal portion. A single-institution retrospective review of all patients with PM surgically treated between January 2013 and March 2021 was conducted. Among 56 patients, the sinus was opened in 32 patients (57%), and a conservative approach was used in 24 patients (43%). The sinus opening was found to be a predictive factor of radical resection (Simpson grade [SG] I-II) (P= 0.007). SG was the only predictive factor of recurrence (P < 0.001). The radical resection group (SG I-II) showed recurrence-free survival at 72 months of about 90% versus 30% in the non-radical resection group (SG III-IV) (log-rank test= 14.21, P < 0.001). Aggressive management of the sinus and radical resection were not found to be related to permanent deficit (P= 0.214 and P= 0.254) or worsening of Karnofsky performance scale score (P= 0.822 and P= 0.933). Removal of the intrasinusal portion of the tumor using standard procedures is not associated with a higher risk of permanent deficit or worsening of Karnofsky performance scale and reduces the risk of recurrence.