Utility of routine postoperative imaging in adults undergoing primary ventriculoperitoneal shunts.

BACKGROUND: There is currently no consensus on the usefulness of postoperative imaging after ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt insertion in adults. The aim of this study was to investigate the utility of routine postoperative imaging (CT head scans and radiographs) following primary VP shunt insertion in a general adult population treated at a tertiary neurosurgical centre. METHODS: Patients undergoing primary VP shunt insertion between 2017-2021 were included. Actions taken based on routine postoperative imaging and need for subsequent shunt revision were recorded. RESULTS: 236 patients were included. The median age was 63 years (range 17-90). There was a slight female preponderance (121/236, 51.3%). The median follow-up was 38.5 months (3.1 - 60.5 months). Acute intervention was employed in 9 patients (3.9%) on the basis of routine postoperative CT head scan. Routine postoperative radiographs did not result in reoperation. Around a quarter (28.8%) of patients had a shunt revision, most of whom underwent urgent primary shunt insertions. Postoperative ventricular catheter characteristics (position of shunt tip, tip relation to septum pellucidum, and intraventricular catheter distance) were not predictive of shunt revision. Surgical urgency (emergency vs. elective procedures) was associated with long-term shunt revision (OR = 2.80, 95% CI 1.42 - 5.53, p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Routine postoperative imaging rarely led to reoperation in adult patients undergoing primary VP shunt insertion. Patients undergoing emergency shunt insertions were at the highest risk for requiring revision.

Cerebellopontine angle craniopharyngioma in familial adenomatous polyposis.

Background: Craniopharyngiomas are benign tumors arising in the sellar and suprasellar regions. Although ectopic tumors do occur, it is usually due to local spread or recurrent tumors. Purely ectopic cerebellopontine angle (CPA) or 4th ventricle tumors are extremely rare and have been found to be significantly associated with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), a genetic disorder. Case Description: Only four cases of ectopic CPA craniopharyngioma associated with FAP have been reported to date. Here, we present the 5th case of ectopic CPA craniopharyngioma on a background of FAP. The previously described cases have been elaborated as well. Conclusion: CPA tumor with a background of FAP should raise a differential diagnosis of craniopharyngioma, and similarly, a CPA primary ectopic craniopharyngioma may raise suspicion of underlying APC gene mutation.

Skull Base Chordoma and Chondrosarcoma: Neuroradiologist's Guide to Diagnosis, Surgical Management, and Proton Beam Therapy.

Skull base chordomas and chondrosarcomas are distinct types of rare, locally aggressive mesenchymal tumors that share key principles of imaging investigation and multidisciplinary care. Maximal safe surgical resection is the treatment choice for each, often via an expanded endoscopic endonasal approach, with or without multilayer skull base repair. Postoperative adjuvant radiation therapy is frequently administered, usually with particle therapy such as proton beam therapy (PBT). Compared with photon therapy, PBT enables dose escalation while limiting damage to dose-limiting neurologic structures, particularly the brainstem and optic apparatus, due to energy deposition being delivered at a high maximum with a rapid decrease at the end of the penetration range (Bragg peak phenomenon). Essential requirements for PBT following gross total or maximal safe resection are tissue diagnosis, minimal residual tumor after resection, and adequate clearance from PBT dose-limiting structures. The radiologist should understand surgical approaches and surgical techniques, including multilayer skull base repair, and be aware of evolution of postsurgical imaging appearances over time. Accurate radiologic review of all relevant preoperative imaging examinations and of intraoperative and postoperative MRI examinations plays a key role in management. The radiology report should reflect what the skull base surgeon and radiation oncologist need to know, including distance between the tumor and PBT dose-limiting structures, tumor sites that may be difficult to access via the endoscopic endonasal route, the relationship between intradural tumor and neurovascular structures, and tumor sites with implications for postresection stability. ©RSNA, 2024 Supplemental material is available for this article.

Genetic findings in people with schwannomas who do not meet clinical diagnostic criteria for NF2-related schwannomatosis.

BACKGROUND: Most schwannomas are isolated tumours occurring in otherwise healthy people. However, bilateral vestibular schwannomas (BVS) or multiple non-vestibular schwannomas indicate an underlying genetic predisposition. This is most commonly NF2-related schwannomatosis (SWN), but when BVS are absent, this can also indicate SMARCB1-related or LZTR1-related SWN. METHODS: We assessed the variant detection rates for the three major SWN genes (NF2, LZTR1 and SMARCB1) in 154 people, from 150 families, who had at least one non-vestibular schwannoma, but who did not meet clinical criteria for NF2-related SWN at the time of genetic testing. RESULTS: We found that 17 (11%) people from 13 families had a germline SMARCB1 variant and 19 (12%) unrelated individuals had a germline LZTR1 variant. 19 people had an NF2 variant, but 18 of these were mosaic and 17 were only detected when 2 tumours were available for testing. The overall detection rate was 25% using blood alone, but increased to 36% when tumour analysis was included. Another 12 people had a germline variant of uncertain significance (VUS). CONCLUSIONS: There were similar proportions of LZTR1, SMARCB1 or mosaic NF2. However, since an NF2 variant was detected in tumours from 103 people, it is likely that further cases of mosaicism would be detected if more people had additional tumours available for analysis. In addition, if further evidence becomes available to show that the VUSs are pathogenic, this would significantly increase the proportion of people with a genetic diagnosis. Our results indicate the importance of comprehensive genetic testing and improved variant classification.

Evidence for inflammation in normal-appearing brain regions in patients with growing sporadic vestibular schwannoma: A PET study.

Background: Nonauditory symptoms can be a prominent feature in patients with sporadic vestibular schwannoma (VS), but the cause of these symptoms is unknown. Inflammation is hypothesized to play a key role in the growth and symptomatic presentation of sporadic VS, and in this study, we investigated through translocator protein (TSPO) positron emission tomography (PET) whether inflammation occurred within the "normal appearing" brain of such patients and its association with tumor growth. Methods: Dynamic PET datasets from 15 patients with sporadic VS (8 static and 7 growing) who had been previously imaged using the TSPO tracer [11C](R)-PK11195 were included. Parametric images of [11C](R)-PK11195 binding potential (BPND) and the distribution volume ratio (DVR) were derived and compared across VS growth groups within both contralateral and ipsilateral gray (GM) and white matter (WM) regions. Voxel-wise cluster analysis was additionally performed to identify anatomical regions of increased [11C](R)-PK11195 binding. Results: Compared with static tumors, growing VS demonstrated significantly higher cortical (GM, 1.070 vs. 1.031, P = .03) and whole brain (GM & WM, 1.045 vs. 1.006, P = .03) [11C](R)-PK11195 DVR values. The voxel-wise analysis supported the region-based analysis and revealed clusters of high TSPO binding within the precentral, postcentral, and prefrontal cortex in patients with growing VS. Conclusions: We present the first in vivo evidence of increased TSPO expression and inflammation within the brains of patients with growing sporadic VS. These results provide a potential mechanistic insight into the development of nonauditory symptoms in these patients and highlight the need for further studies interrogating the role of neuroinflammation in driving VS symptomatology.

NF2-related schwannomatosis and other schwannomatosis: an updated genetic and epidemiological study.

OBJECTIVES: New diagnostic criteria for NF2-related schwannomatosis (NF2) were published in 2022. An updated UK prevalence was generated in accordance with these, with an emphasis on the rate of de novo NF2 (a 50% frequency is widely quoted in genetic counselling). The distribution of variant types among de novo and familial NF2 cases was also assessed. METHODS: The UK National NF2 database identifies patients meeting updated NF2 criteria from a highly ascertained population cared for by England's specialised service. Diagnostic prevalence was assessed on 1 February 2023. Molecular analysis of blood and, where possible, tumour specimens for NF2, LZTR1 and SMARCB1 was performed. RESULTS: 1084 living NF2 patients were identified on prevalence day (equivalent to 1 in 61 332). The proportion with NF2 inherited from an affected parent was only 23% in England. If people without a confirmed molecular diagnosis or bilateral vestibular schwannoma are excluded, the frequency of de novo NF2 remains high (72%). Of the identified de novo cases, almost half were mosaic. The most common variant type was nonsense variants, accounting for 173/697 (24.8%) of people with an established variant, but only 18/235 (7.7%) with an inherited NF2 pathogenic variant (p<0.0001). Missense variants had the highest proportion of familial association (56%). The prevalence of LZTR1-related schwannomatosis and SMARCB1-related schwannomatosis was 1 in 527 000 and 1 in 1.1M, respectively, 8.4-18.4 times lower than NF2. CONCLUSIONS: This work confirms a much higher rate of de novo NF2 than previously reported and highlights the benefits of maintaining patient databases for accurate counselling.

A watch, wait, and rescan approach for incidental benign-appearing notochordal lesions of the skull base.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe the natural history of incidental benign-appearing notochordal lesions of the skull base with specific attention to features that can make differentiation from low-grade chordoma more difficult, namely contrast uptake and bone erosion. METHODS: In this retrospective case series, the authors describe the clinical outcomes of 58 patients with incidental benign-appearing notochordal lesions of the clivus, including those with minor radiological features of bone erosion or contrast uptake. RESULTS: All lesions remained stable during a median follow-up of almost 3 years. Thirty-seven (64%) patients underwent contrast-enhanced MRI; lesions in 14 (38%) of these patients exhibited minimal contrast enhancement. Twenty-seven (47%) patients underwent CT; lesions in 6 (22%) of these patients exhibited minimal bone erosion. CONCLUSIONS: These data make the case for monitoring selected cases of benign-appearing notochordal lesions of the clivus in the first instance even when there is minor contrast uptake or minimal bone erosion.

Meningioma: International Consortium on Meningiomas consensus review on scientific advances and treatment paradigms for clinicians, researchers, and patients.

Meningiomas are the most common primary intracranial tumors in adults and are increasing in incidence due to the aging population and increased access to neuroimaging. While most exhibit nonmalignant behavior, a subset of meningiomas are biologically aggressive and are associated with treatment resistance, resulting in significant neurologic morbidity and even mortality. In recent years, meaningful advances in our understanding of the biology of these tumors have led to the incorporation of molecular biomarkers into their grading and prognostication. However, unlike other central nervous system (CNS) tumors, a unified molecular taxonomy for meningiomas has not yet been established and remains an overarching goal of the Consortium to Inform Molecular and Practical Approaches to CNS Tumor Taxonomy-Not Official World Health Organization (cIMPACT-NOW) working group. Additionally, clinical equipoise still remains on how specific meningioma cases and patient populations should be optimally managed. To address these existing gaps, members of the International Consortium on Meningiomas including field-leading experts, have prepared this comprehensive consensus narrative review directed toward clinicians, researchers, and patients. Included in this manuscript are detailed overviews of proposed molecular classifications, novel biomarkers, contemporary treatment strategies, trials on systemic therapies, health-related quality-of-life studies, and management strategies for unique meningioma patient populations. In each section, we discuss the current state of knowledge as well as ongoing clinical and research challenges to road map future directions for further investigation.

Hypoxia coordinates the spatial landscape of myeloid cells within glioblastoma to affect survival.

Myeloid cells are highly prevalent in glioblastoma (GBM), existing in a spectrum of phenotypic and activation states. We now have limited knowledge of the tumor microenvironment (TME) determinants that influence the localization and the functions of the diverse myeloid cell populations in GBM. Here, we have utilized orthogonal imaging mass cytometry with single-cell and spatial transcriptomic approaches to identify and map the various myeloid populations in the human GBM tumor microenvironment (TME). Our results show that different myeloid populations have distinct and reproducible compartmentalization patterns in the GBM TME that is driven by tissue hypoxia, regional chemokine signaling, and varied homotypic and heterotypic cellular interactions. We subsequently identified specific tumor subregions in GBM, based on composition of identified myeloid cell populations, that were linked to patient survival. Our results provide insight into the spatial organization of myeloid cell subpopulations in GBM, and how this is predictive of clinical outcome.

Venous thromboembolism chemical prophylaxis after skull base surgery.

PURPOSE: There is no guidance surrounding postoperative venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis using pharmacological agents (chemoprophylaxis) in patients undergoing skull base surgery. The aim of this study was to compare VTE and intracranial haematoma rates after skull base surgery in patients treated with/without chemoprophylaxis. METHODS: Review of prospective quaternary centre database including adults undergoing first-time skull base surgery (2009-2020). VTE was defined as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) within 6 months of surgery. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine factors predictive of postoperative intracranial haematoma/VTE. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used in group comparisons. RESULTS: One thousand five hundred fifty-one patients were included with a median age of 52 years (range 16-89 years) and female predominance (62%). Postoperative chemoprophylaxis was used in 81% of patients at a median of 1 day postoperatively. There were 12 VTE events (1.2%), and the use of chemoprophylaxis did not negate the risk of VTE entirely (p > 0.99) and was highest on/after postoperative day 6 (9/12 VTE events). There were 18 intracranial haematomas (0.8%), and after PSM, chemoprophylaxis did not significantly increase the risk of an intracranial haematoma (p > 0.99). Patients administered chemoprophylaxis from postoperative days 1 and 2 had similar rates of intracranial haematomas (p = 0.60) and VTE (p = 0.60), affirmed in PSM. CONCLUSION: Postoperative chemoprophylaxis represents a relatively safe strategy in patients undergoing skull base surgery. We advocate a personalised approach to chemoprophylaxis and recommend it on postoperative days 1 or 2 when indicated.

Reported Hearing Outcome Measures Following Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Vestibular Schwannoma: A Scoping Review.

Background Evidence on hearing outcome measures when assessing hearing preservation following stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for adults with vestibular schwannoma (VS) has not previously been collated in a structured review. Objective The objective of the present study was to perform a scoping review of the evidence regarding the choice of hearing outcomes and other methodological characteristics following SRS for adults with VS. Methods The protocol was registered in the International Platform of Registered Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (INPLASY) and reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses extension guidelines for scoping reviews. A systematic search of five online databases revealed 1,591 studies, 247 of which met the inclusion criteria. Results The majority of studies ( n = 213, 86%) were retrospective cohort or case series with the remainder ( n = 34, 14%) prospective cohort. Pure-tone audiometry and speech intelligibility were included in 222 (90%) and 158 (64%) studies, respectively, often summarized within a classification scheme and lacking procedural details. Fifty-nine (24%) studies included self-report measures. The median duration of follow-up, when reported, was 43 months (interquartile range: 29, 4-150). Conclusion Evidence on hearing disability after SRS for VS is based on low-quality studies which are inherently susceptible to bias. This review has highlighted an urgent need for a randomized controlled trial assessing hearing outcomes in patients with VS managed with radiosurgery or radiological observation. Similarly, consensus and coproduction of a core outcome set to determine relevant hearing and communication outcome domains is required. This will ensure that patient priorities, including communication abilities in the presence of background noise and reduced participation restrictions, are addressed.

Improved Recovery after Vestibular Schwannoma Excision with Intratympanic Gentamicin Prehabilitation.

OBJECTIVE: Translabyrinthine excision of a vestibular schwannoma is associated with acute vestibular failure. Preoperative intratympanic gentamicin (ITG) injections can improve objective balance function after surgery but its clinical benefits remain to be established. METHODS: Adult patients undergoing translabyrinthine removal of a vestibular schwannoma between January 2014 and February 2018 underwent preoperative vestibular function testing. Patients were divided in to 3 groups, those with vestibular function (VF) who received ITG injections, those with VF but did not receive ITG and those with no VF. Groups were compared according to degree of vertigo, length of stay, time to unassisted mobilization, and postoperative anti-emetic consumption. RESULTS: Forty six patients had ITG injections (Group 1), 7 had residual VF but refused treatment (Group 2), 21 had no VF (Group 3). Group 1 had a significant improvement in vertigo over time whereas groups 2 and 3 did not. There was a statistically significant 70% decrease in time to independent mobilization between Group 1 and other groups and a 19% decrease in length of stay in Group 1 compared to other groups although this did not reach statistical significance. Two patients had injection-related complications. Group 1 used less anti-emetics than other groups but this was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Preoperative intratympanic gentamicin injection with vestibular rehabilitation exercises is associated with less postoperative vertigo and earlier postoperative mobilization. There was reduced duration of hospitalization and decreased consumption of anti-emetic but not significantly so possibly because of low numbers of patients in the no treatment group. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2 Laryngoscope, 134:3316-3322, 2024.

Low-dose GBCA administration for brain tumour dynamic contrast enhanced MRI: a feasibility study.

A key limitation of current dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE) MRI techniques is the requirement for full-dose gadolinium-based contrast agent (GBCA) administration. The purpose of this feasibility study was to develop and assess a new low GBCA dose protocol for deriving high-spatial resolution kinetic parameters from brain DCE-MRI. Nineteen patients with intracranial skull base tumours were prospectively imaged at 1.5 T using a single-injection, fixed-volume low GBCA dose, dual temporal resolution interleaved DCE-MRI acquisition. The accuracy of kinetic parameters (ve, Ktrans, vp) derived using this new low GBCA dose technique was evaluated through both Monte-Carlo simulations (mean percent deviation, PD, of measured from true values) and an in vivo study incorporating comparison with a conventional full-dose GBCA protocol and correlation with histopathological data. The mean PD of data from the interleaved high-temporal-high-spatial resolution approach outperformed use of high-spatial, low temporal resolution datasets alone (p < 0.0001, t-test). Kinetic parameters derived using the low-dose interleaved protocol correlated significantly with parameters derived from a full-dose acquisition (p < 0.001) and demonstrated a significant association with tissue markers of microvessel density (p < 0.05). Our results suggest accurate high-spatial resolution kinetic parameter mapping is feasible with significantly reduced GBCA dose.

Changes in audiovestibular handicap following treatment of vestibular schwannomas.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess degree of audiovestibular handicap in patients with vestibular schwannoma. METHODS: Audiovestibular handicap was assessed using the Hearing Handicap Inventory, Tinnitus Handicap Inventory and Dizziness Handicap Inventory. Patients completed questionnaires at presentation and at least one year following treatment with microsurgery, stereotactic radiosurgery or observation. Changes in audiovestibular handicap and factors affecting audiovestibular handicap were assessed. RESULTS: All handicap scores increased at follow up, but not significantly. The Tinnitus Handicap Inventory and Dizziness Handicap Inventory scores predicted tinnitus and dizziness respectively. The Hearing Handicap Inventory was not predictive of hearing loss. Age predicted Tinnitus Handicap Inventory score and microsurgery was associated with a deterioration in Dizziness Handicap Inventory score. CONCLUSION: Audiovestibular handicap is common in patients with vestibular schwannoma, with 75 per cent having some degree of handicap in at least one inventory. The overall burden of handicap was, however, low. The increased audiovestibular handicap over time was not statistically significant, irrespective of treatment modality.

The management of symptomatic hyperostotic bilateral spheno-orbital meningiomas: patient series.

BACKGROUND: The occurrence of hyperostotic bilateral spheno-orbital meningiomas (BSOMs) is very rare. Patients present with bilateral symptoms and require bilateral treatment. This series describes 6 patients presenting to 2 UK neurosurgical units and includes a literature review. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the largest series documented. OBSERVATIONS: This is a retrospective review of patients with BSOMs presenting between 2006 and 2023. Six females, whose mean age was 43 (range: 36-64) years, presented with features of visual disturbance. Bilateral sphen-oorbital meningiomas were identified. All patients underwent bilateral staged resections. The patients had an initial improvement in their symptoms. Extensive genetic testing was performed in 4 patients, with no variants in the NF2, LZTR1, SMARCB1, SMARCE1, and SMARCA4 genes or other variants detected. The mean follow-up was 100.3 (range: 64-186) months. Sixty-seven percent of patients had good long-term visual acuity. The progression rate was 75% and was particularly aggressive in 1 patient. Four patients required radiation therapy, and 2 needed further surgery. LESSONS: Hyperostotic BSOMs are extensive, challenging tumors causing significant disability. They can recur, with significant patient impact. Multidisciplinary management and indefinite long-term follow-up are essential. The biology of these tumors remains unclear. As molecular testing expands, the understanding of BSOM oncogenesis and potential therapeutic targets is likely to improve.

Generating Operative Workflows for Vestibular Schwannoma Resection: A Two-Stage Delphi's Consensus in Collaboration with the British Skull Base Society. Part 2: The Translabyrinthine Approach.

Objective An operative workflow systematically compartmentalizes operations into hierarchal components of phases, steps, instrument, technique errors, and event errors. Operative workflow provides a foundation for education, training, and understanding of surgical variation. In this Part 2, we present a codified operative workflow for the translabyrinthine approach to vestibular schwannoma resection. Methods A mixed-method consensus process of literature review, small-group Delphi's consensus, followed by a national Delphi's consensus was performed in collaboration with British Skull Base Society (BSBS). Each Delphi's round was repeated until data saturation and over 90% consensus was reached. Results Seventeen consultant skull base surgeons (nine neurosurgeons and eight ENT [ear, nose, and throat]) with median of 13.9 years of experience (interquartile range: 18.1 years) of independent practice participated. There was a 100% response rate across both the Delphi rounds. The translabyrinthine approach had the following five phases and 57 unique steps: Phase 1, approach and exposure; Phase 2, mastoidectomy; Phase 3, internal auditory canal and dural opening; Phase 4, tumor debulking and excision; and Phase 5, closure. Conclusion We present Part 2 of a national, multicenter, consensus-derived, codified operative workflow for the translabyrinthine approach to vestibular schwannomas. The five phases contain the operative, steps, instruments, technique errors, and event errors. The codified translabyrinthine approach presented in this manuscript can serve as foundational research for future work, such as the application of artificial intelligence to vestibular schwannoma resection and comparative surgical research.

Generating Operative Workflows for Vestibular Schwannoma Resection: A Two-Stage Delphi's Consensus in Collaboration with the British Skull Base Society. Part 1: The Retrosigmoid Approach.

Objective An operative workflow systematically compartmentalizes operations into hierarchal components of phases, steps, instrument, technique errors, and event errors. Operative workflow provides a foundation for education, training, and understanding of surgical variation. In this Part 1, we present a codified operative workflow for the retrosigmoid approach to vestibular schwannoma resection. Methods A mixed-method consensus process of literature review, small-group Delphi's consensus, followed by a national Delphi's consensus, was performed in collaboration with British Skull Base Society (BSBS). Each Delphi's round was repeated until data saturation and over 90% consensus was reached. Results Eighteen consultant skull base surgeons (10 neurosurgeons and 8 ENT [ear, nose, and throat]) with median 17.9 years of experience (interquartile range: 17.5 years) of independent practice participated. There was a 100% response rate across both Delphi's rounds. The operative workflow for the retrosigmoid approach contained three phases and 40 unique steps as follows: phase 1, approach and exposure; phase 2, tumor debulking and excision; phase 3, closure. For the retrosigmoid approach, technique, and event error for each operative step was also described. Conclusion We present Part 1 of a national, multicenter, consensus-derived, codified operative workflow for the retrosigmoid approach to vestibular schwannomas that encompasses phases, steps, instruments, technique errors, and event errors. The codified retrosigmoid approach presented in this manuscript can serve as foundational research for future work, such as operative workflow analysis or neurosurgical simulation and education.

The comparable tumour microenvironment in sporadic and NF2-related schwannomatosis vestibular schwannoma.

Bilateral vestibular schwannoma is the hallmark of NF2-related schwannomatosis, a rare tumour predisposition syndrome associated with a lifetime of surgical interventions, radiotherapy and off-label use of the anti-angiogenic drug bevacizumab. Unilateral vestibular schwannoma develops sporadically in non-NF2-related schwannomatosis patients for which there are no drug treatment options available. Tumour-infiltrating immune cells such as macrophages and T-cells correlate with increased vestibular schwannoma growth, which is suggested to be similar in sporadic and NF2-related schwannomatosis tumours. However, differences between NF2-related schwannomatosis and the more common sporadic disease include NF2-related schwannomatosis patients presenting an increased number of tumours, multiple tumour types and younger age at diagnosis. A comparison of the tumour microenvironment in sporadic and NF2-related schwannomatosis tumours is therefore required to underpin the development of immunotherapeutic targets, identify the possibility of extrapolating ex vivo data from sporadic vestibular schwannoma to NF2-related schwannomatosis and help inform clinical trial design with the feasibility of co-recruiting sporadic and NF2-related schwannomatosis patients. This study drew together bulk transcriptomic data from three published Affymetrix microarray datasets to compare the gene expression profiles of sporadic and NF2-related schwannomatosis vestibular schwannoma and subsequently deconvolved to predict the abundances of distinct tumour immune microenvironment populations. Data were validated using quantitative PCR and Hyperion imaging mass cytometry. Comparative bioinformatic analyses revealed close similarities in NF2-related schwannomatosis and sporadic vestibular schwannoma tumours across the three datasets. Significant inflammatory markers and signalling pathways were closely matched in NF2-related schwannomatosis and sporadic vestibular schwannoma, relating to the proliferation of macrophages, angiogenesis and inflammation. Bulk transcriptomic and imaging mass cytometry data identified macrophages as the most abundant immune population in vestibular schwannoma, comprising one-third of the cell mass in both NF2-related schwannomatosis and sporadic tumours. Importantly, there were no robust significant differences in signalling pathways, gene expression, cell type abundance or imaging mass cytometry staining between NF2-related schwannomatosis and sporadic vestibular schwannoma. These data indicate strong similarities in the tumour immune microenvironment of NF2-related schwannomatosis and sporadic vestibular schwannoma.

Surgery versus radiosurgery for vestibular schwannoma: Shared decision making in a multidisciplinary clinic.

Background: Our neurosurgical unit adopted a model of shared decision-making (SDM) based on multidisciplinary clinics for vestibular schwannoma (VS). A unique feature of this clinic is the interdisciplinary counseling process with a surgeon presenting the option of surgery, an oncologist radiosurgery or radiotherapy, and a specialist nurse advocating for the patient. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study. All new patients seen in the combined VS clinic and referred from the skull base multidisciplinary team (MDT) from beginning of June 2013 to end of January 2019 were included. Descriptive statistics and frequency analysis were carried out for the full cohort. Results: Three hundred and fifty-four patients presenting with new or previously untreated VS were included in the analysis. In our cohort, roughly one-third of patients fall into each of the treatment strategies with slightly smaller numbers of patients undergoing surgery than watch, wait and rescan (WWR) ,and SRS (26.6% vs. 32.8% and 37.9%, respectively). Conclusion: In our experience, the combined surgery/oncology/specialist nurse clinic streamlines the patient experience for those with a VS suitable for either microsurgical or SRS/radiotherapy treatment. Decision-making in this population of patients is complex and when presented with all treatment options patients do not necessarily choose the least invasive option as a treatment. The unique feature of our clinic is the multidisciplinary counseling process with a specialist nurse advocating and guiding the patient. Treatment options are likely to become more rather than less complex in future years making combined clinics more valuable than ever in the SDM process.