Transorbital neuroendoscopic surgery for treatment of sphenoid wing meningiomas extending to the cavernous sinus: clinical implications and a technical illustration.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of transorbital neuroendoscopic surgery (TONES) in the management of sphenoid wing meningiomas (SWMs) with cavernous sinus and orbital invasion. METHODS: The authors conducted a retrospective review of 32 patients with SWMs treated at Gazi University using TONES from October 2019 to May 2023. The study includes clinical applications to elucidate the endoscopic transorbital approach. Surgical techniques focused on safe subtotal resection, aiming to minimize residual tumor volume for subsequent radiosurgery. Data were collected on patient demographics, tumor characteristics, surgical procedures, complications, and postoperative outcomes, including radiological imaging and ophthalmological evaluations. RESULTS: Surgical dissections delineated a three-phase endoscopic transorbital approach: extraorbital, intraorbital, and intracranial. In the clinical application, gross-total resection was not achieved in any patient because of planned postoperative Gamma Knife radiosurgery. The mean follow-up period was 16.3 months. Of 30 patients with preoperative proptosis, 25 experienced postoperative improvement. No new-onset extraocular muscle paresis or visual loss occurred postoperatively. The average hospital stay was 1.15 days, with minimal complications and no significant morbidity or mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Total resection of SWMs invading the cavernous sinus and orbit is associated with substantial risks, particularly cranial nerve deficits. TONES offers a minimally invasive alternative, reducing morbidity compared with transcranial approaches, and represents a significant advancement in the surgical management of SWMs, especially those extending into the cavernous sinus and orbit. The approach provides a safe, effective, and patient-centric approach, prioritizing subtotal resection to minimize neurological deficits while preparing patients for adjunctive radiosurgery. This study positions TONES as a transformative surgical technique, aligning therapeutic efficacy with neurovascular preservation and postoperative recovery.

Predictive factors of the postoperative proptosis recovery in surgery of spheno-orbital meningiomas.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify factors affecting proptosis recovery in spheno-orbital meningioma (SOM) surgery and assess functional and oncological outcomes. METHODS: Data from 32 consecutive SOM surgery cases (2002-2021) were analyzed. Clinical, radiological, operative, and oncological parameters were examined. Proptosis was assessed using the exophthalmos index (EI) on MRI or CT scans. Statistical analyses were performed to identify predictive factors for proptosis recovery. RESULTS: Proptosis improved in 75% of patients post-surgery (EI decreased from 1.28 ± 0.16 to 1.20 ± 0.13, p = 0.048). Patients with stable or worsened EI had higher body mass index (28.5 ± 7.9 vs. 24.1 ± 4.7, p = 0.18), Simpson grade (IV 75% vs. 65%, p = 0.24), and middle sphenoid wing epicenter involvement (63% vs. 38%, p = 0.12), but no significant factors were associated with unfavorable exophthalmos outcomes. The improvement group had higher en plaque morphology, infratemporal fossa invasion, and radiation treatment for cavernous sinus residual tumor (88% vs. 75%, p = 0.25; 51% vs. 25%, p = 0.42; 41% vs. 25%, p = 0.42, respectively), but without statistical significance. Visual acuity remained stable in 78%, improved in 13%, and worsened in 9% during follow-up. Surgery had a positive impact on preoperative oculomotor nerve dysfunction in 3 of 4 patients (75%). Postoperative oculomotor nerve dysfunction was observed in 25%, of which 75% fully recovered. This occurrence was significantly associated with irradiation of an orbital tumor residue (p = 0.04). New postoperative trigeminal hypoesthesia was observed in 47%, of which 73% recovered. All SOMs were classified as WHO grade 1, and complementary treatments achieved oncological control, requiring gamma-knife radiosurgery in 53% and standard radiotherapy in 6%. CONCLUSIONS: Surgery effectively improves proptosis in SOM, though complete resolution is rare. The absence of predictive factors suggests multifactorial causes, including body mass index and tumor resection grade. Postoperative oculomotor nerve dysfunction and trigeminal hypoesthesia are common but often recover. Gamma-knife radiosurgery maintains long-term oncological control for evolving tumor residue.

Perifocal edema is a risk factor for preoperative seizures in patients with meningioma WHO grade 2 and 3.

BACKGROUND: Patients with intracranial meningiomas frequently suffer from tumor-related seizures prior to resection, impacting patients' quality of life. We aimed to elaborate on incidence and predictors for seizures in a patient cohort with meningiomas WHO grade 2 and 3. METHODS: We retrospectively searched for patients with meningioma WHO grade 2 and 3 according to the 2021 WHO classification undergoing tumor resection. Clinical, histopathological and imaging findings were collected and correlated with preoperative seizure development. Tumor and edema volumes were quantified. RESULTS: Ninety-five patients with a mean age of 59.5 ± 16.0 years were included. Most tumors (86/95, 90.5%) were classified as atypical meningioma WHO grade 2. Nine of 95 tumors (9.5%) corresponded to anaplastic meningiomas WHO grade 3, including six patients harboring TERT promoter mutations. Meningiomas were most frequently located at the convexity in 38/95 patients (40.0%). Twenty-eight of 95 patients (29.5%) experienced preoperative seizures. Peritumoral edema was detected in 62/95 patients (65.3%) with a median volume of 9 cm3 (IR: 0-54 cm3). Presence of peritumoral edema but not age, tumor localization, TERT promoter mutation, brain invasion or WHO grading was associated with incidence of preoperative seizures, as confirmed in multivariate analysis (OR: 6.61, 95% CI: 1.18, 58.12, p = *0.049). Postoperative freedom of seizures was achieved in 91/95 patients (95.8%). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative seizures were frequently encountered in about every third patient with meningioma WHO grade 2 or 3. Patients presenting with peritumoral edema on preoperative imaging are at particular risk for developing tumor-related seizures. Tumor resection was highly effective in achieving seizure freedom.

Factors influencing postoperative visual improvement in 208 patients with tuberculum sellae meningiomas.

OBJECTIVE: Tuberculum sellae meningiomas (TSMs) usually compress the optic nerve and optic chiasma, thus affecting vision. Surgery is an effective means to remove tumors and improve visual outcomes. On a larger scale, this study attempted to further explore and confirm the factors related to postoperative visual outcomes to guide the treatment of TSMs. METHODS: Data were obtained from 208 patients with TSMs who underwent surgery at our institution between January 2010 and August 2022. Demographics, ophthalmologic examination results, imaging data, extent of resection, radiotherapy status, and surgical approaches were included in the analysis. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used to assess the factors that could lead to favorable visual outcomes. RESULTS: The median follow-up duration was 63 months, and gross total resection (GTR) was achieved in 174 (83.7%) patients. According to our multivariate logistic regression analysis, age < 60 years (odds ratio [OR] = 0.310; P = 0.007), duration of preoperative visual symptoms (DPVS) < 10 months (OR = 0.495; P = 0.039), tumor size ≤ 27 mm (OR = 0.337; P = 0.002), GTR (OR = 3.834; P = 0.006), and a tumor vertical-to-horizontal dimensional ratio < 1 (OR = 2.593; P = 0.006) were found to be significant independent predictors of favorable visual outcomes. CONCLUSION: Age, DPVS, tumor size, GTR, and the tumor vertical-to-horizontal dimensional ratio were found to be powerful predictors of favorable visual outcomes. This study may help guide decisions regarding the treatment of TSMs.

Endovascular stenting for cerebral venous sinus stenosis secondary to meningioma invasion.

INTRODUCTION: Symptomatic intracranial hypertension (IH) due to venous outflow obstruction secondary to dural venous sinus (DVS) tumoral invasion affects up to 3% of intracranial meningioma patients. The literature regarding endovascular therapies of such patients is limited to a few case reports and a recent single-centre case series. PURPOSE: We describe our single-centre experience of endovascular therapy in patients with clinically symptomatic IH secondary to DVS meningioma invasion. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of clinical and radiological data of all patients with refractory IH and meningiomas invading the DVS who were referred for possible DVS venoplasty and stenting. Seven endovascular procedures in six female patients were done. Presumed secondarily induced lateral transverse sinus stenosis was also stented in four patients as part of the primary intervention. RESULTS: All patients experienced complete symptomatic resolution at 6-month follow-up. Five patients had no symptom recurrence over a mean follow-up period of 3.5 years. One patient with multiple meningiomas developed recurrent IH 2 years following stenting secondary to in-stent tumour re-invasion. This was re-stented with consequent 6 months post-retreatment symptomatic relief at the time of writing. No procedure-related complications occurred. CONCLUSION: In the setting of DVS stenosis secondary to meningioma invasion, endovascular therapy is a safe and successful therapeutic option with promising mid-term results. The procedure should be considered in cases where complete surgical tumour resection is unlikely or carries a significant risk. If present, secondarily induced stenoses at the lateral ends of the transverse sinuses should also be considered for treatment.

Tuberculum meningioma with recovery of glaucoma-like visual field defects after chiasmal decompression: a case report.

BACKGROUND: To report a case of tuberculum meningioma with recovery of glaucoma-like visual field defects after chiasmal decompression. CASE PRESENTATION: A 39-year-old woman presenting with headache was found to have bilateral arcuate retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thinning on optical coherence tomography (OCT) with a corresponding arcuate scotomas consistent with glaucomatous change. However a suprasellar tumor compressing the anterior chiasm from below was found on magnetic resonance imaging of the brain. After resection of the mass, which was diagnosed as meningothelial meningioma by the pathological examination, the glaucoma-like visual field defects resolved despite the RNFL thinning on the OCT showing no improvement. CONCLUSIONS: Chiasmal compression may mimic glaucoma and produce arcuate scotoma rather than temporal visual field loss. There is a possibility that the development of chiasmal compression somehow converted preperimetric glaucoma into a more advanced form accompanied by visual field defects and that the glaucoma reverted to the preperimetric state after chiasmal decompression.

Superior orbital fissure narrowing and tumor-associated pain in spheno-orbital meningiomas.

INTRODUCTION: Spheno-orbital meningiomas (SOMs) represent a distinct subtype of meningioma characterized by their unique multi-compartmental invasion pattern. Previous studies have investigated correlations between SOMs and visual manifestations. However, our comprehension of pain associated with SOMs remains limited. This study aims to provide insight into the pathophysiology underlying SOM-related pain through measurements of tumor volume and superior orbital fissure (SOF) narrowing. METHODS: This retrospective study included patients who underwent surgical resection of a SOM between 2000 and 2022. Preoperative CT and/or MRI scans were analyzed, and the tumor volume of each segment was measured. Bony 3D reconstructions were used to measure the area of the SOF, and SOF narrowing was calculated. RESULTS: The study cohort included 66 patients diagnosed with SOMs, among which 25.8% (n = 17) presented with pain. Postoperatively, 14/17 (82.4%) of patients reported pain improvement. There was no significant correlation between the total volume or the volume of tumor within each compartment and the presence of pain on presentation (p > 0.05). The median SOF narrowing was significantly different between patients presenting with and without tumor-associated pain with median of 11 mm2 (IQR 2.8-22.3) and 2 mm2 (IQR 0-6), respectively (p = 0.005). Using logistic regression, a significant correlation between the degree of SOF narrowing and the presence of SOM-associated pain on presentation was identified, with an aOR of 1.2 (95% CI 1.12-1.3, p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: While the exact cause of tumor-associated pain remains unclear, SOF narrowing seems to play a role in pain among SOM patients. Based on the radiological characteristics, SOF neurovascular decompression is recommended in SOM patients.

Surgical Management and Outcome of the Planum Sphenoidale Meningioma: A Single-Center Strobe Compliant Study.

BACKGROUND: The resection of the jugum (planum) sphenoidale meningioma (JSM) is challenging, and there is a scarcity of available data in the literature. This study aimed to describe the surgical management and long-term outcome of jugum sphenoidale meningioma. METHODS: This was a retrospective, single-center, cohort study of 91 JSM patients treated in our department from 2005 to 2022. All the included patients have undergone surgical treatment. Clinical, radiologic, and surgical data were extracted with specific attention to the age at onset, family history, duration from symptoms to diagnosis, clinical presentation, quality of excision, recurrence, and treatment outcome. RESULTS: WHO grade I and grade II meningioma were 83.5% (n = 76) and 16.5% (n = 15) respectively. Fronto-lateral 42.9% (n = 39) and pterional approaches 57.1% (n = 52) were the 2 major surgical approaches used for the management of planum sphenoidale meningioma. Twelve patients needed emergency surgical treatment at admission: 4 (4.4%) External CSF Shunt and 8 (8.8%) VP-Shunt. We have found a statistically significant (P = 0.032) association between the quality of excision and the risk of recurrence. The GTR (Hazard ratio = 1) of the planum meningioma protects the patient from recurrence within 60 months of follow-up. Postoperative complications encountered were CSF-Leak in 2.2%, Meningitis 4.4%, surgical site infection 2.2%, and surgical site hematoma 3.3%. The overall postoperative favorable outcome was 68.1% (n = 62). CONCLUSIONS: The pterional approach has allowed the achievement of GTR for jugum sphenoidale meningioma with protective odds from recurrence risk.

Risk of subsequent gliomas and meningiomas among 69,460 5-year survivors of childhood and adolescent cancer in Europe: the PanCareSurFup study.

BACKGROUND: Childhood cancer survivors are at risk of subsequent gliomas and meningiomas, but the risks beyond age 40 years are uncertain. We quantified these risks in the largest ever cohort. METHODS: Using data from 69,460 5-year childhood cancer survivors (diagnosed 1940-2008), across Europe, standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) and cumulative incidence were calculated. RESULTS: In total, 279 glioma and 761 meningioma were identified. CNS tumour (SIR: 16.2, 95% CI: 13.7, 19.2) and leukaemia (SIR: 11.2, 95% CI: 8.8, 14.2) survivors were at greatest risk of glioma. The SIR for CNS tumour survivors was still 4.3-fold after age 50 (95% CI: 1.9, 9.6), and for leukaemia survivors still 10.2-fold after age 40 (95% CI: 4.9, 21.4). Following cranial radiotherapy (CRT), the cumulative incidence of a glioma in CNS tumour survivors was 2.7%, 3.7% and 5.0% by ages 40, 50 and 60, respectively, whilst for leukaemia this was 1.2% and 1.7% by ages 40 and 50. The cumulative incidence of a meningioma after CRT in CNS tumour survivors doubled from 5.9% to 12.5% between ages 40 and 60, and in leukaemia survivors increased from 5.8% to 10.2% between ages 40 and 50. DISCUSSION: Clinicians following up survivors should be aware that the substantial risks of meningioma and glioma following CRT are sustained beyond age 40 and be vigilant for symptoms.

Evaluation of systemic inflammation in seizure phenotypes following meningioma resection.

PURPOSE: To investigate the association between perioperative peripheral blood inflammatory markers and seizures in patients who have undergone meningioma resection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A single neurosurgery tertiary centre blood bank database was screened to extract pre-operative and post-operative white cell count (WCC), neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, platelets and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and derived NLR (dNLR). All patients who underwent resection of meningioma from 2012 to 2020 were eligible. Patients were excluded if they had an inflammatory condition, peri-operative infection, medical illness or operative complication. RESULTS: 30 patients suffered pre-operative seizures only, 16 experienced de novo post-operative seizures within 1 year and 42 patients did not experience seizures throughout their treatment timeline. Patients with post-operative de novo seizures had a significantly higher WCC when compared those who never had a seizure (7.1 vs. 4.8x109/L, p =.048, 95 % 1.96 to 5.60). However, this difference of WCC was poorly predictive of de novo seizures at one year (AUC 0.61). dNLR was significantly higher in patients with continued post-operative seizures than in patients in which seizures were terminated with tumour resection (1.2 vs. 0.1, p =.035, 95 % 1.47 to 2.29). dNLR was predictive of seizures at one year with an 87.5 % sensitivity and 82.1 % specificity. CONCLUSIONS: There is a significantly higher post-operative systemic white cell count response in patients who suffered de novo seizures after meningioma resection. Peripheral blood markers have the potential to predict seizures in patients with meningioma.

The experience of living with malignant meningioma.

OBJECTIVES: Meningiomas are the most common, primary intracranial tumor and most are benign. Little is known of the rare patient group living with a malignant meningioma, comprising 1-3% of all meningiomas. Our aim was to explore how patients perceived quality of daily life after a malignant meningioma diagnosis. METHODS: This qualitative explorative study was composed of individual semi-structured interviews. Eligible patients (n = 12) were selected based on ability to participate in an interview, from a background population of 23 patients diagnosed with malignant meningioma at Rigshospitalet from 2000 to 2021. We performed an inductive thematic analysis following Braun and Clarke's guidelines. RESULTS: Eight patients were interviewed. The analysis revealed 4 overarching themes: (1) perceived illness and cause of symptoms, (2) identity, roles, and interaction, (3) threat and uncertainty of the future, and (4) belief in authority. The perceived quality of daily life is negatively impacted by the disease. Patients experience a shift in self-concept and close interactions, and some struggle with accepting a new everyday life. Patients have a high risk of discordant prognostic awareness in relation to health-care professionals. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS: We provide a much-needed patient-centered perspective of living with malignant meningioma: quality of life was affected by perception of threat and an uncertainty of the future. Perception of illness and the interpretation of the cause of symptoms varied between subjects, but a common trait was that patients' identity, roles, and interactions were affected. Shared decision-making and a strengthened continuity during follow-up could aid this rare patient group.

Non-colloid-cyst primary brain tumors: A systematic review of unexpected fatality.

OBJECTIVE: Primary brain tumors have the potential to present a substantial health hazard, ultimately resulting in unforeseen fatalities. Despite the enhanced comprehension of many diseases, the precise prediction of disease progression continues to pose a significant challenge. The objective of this study is to investigate cases of unexpected mortality resulting from primary brain tumors and analyze the variables that contribute to such occurrences. METHODS: This systematic review explores research on individuals diagnosed with primary brain tumors who experienced unexpected deaths. It uses PRISMA standards and searches PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus. Variables considered include age, gender, symptoms, tumor type, WHO grade, postmortem findings, time of death - time taken from first medical presentation or hospital admission to death, comorbidity, and risk factors. RESULTS: This study examined 46 studies to analyze patient-level data from 76 individuals with unexpected deaths attributed to intracranial lesions, deliberately excluding colloid cysts. The cohort's age distribution showed an average age of 37 years, with no significant gender preference. Headache was the most common initial symptom. Astrocytomas, meningiomas, and glioblastoma were the most common lesions, while the frontal lobe, temporal lobe, and cerebellum were common locations. Meningiomas and astrocytomas showed faster deaths within the first hour of hospital admission. CONCLUSION: The etiology of unforeseen fatalities resulting from cerebral tumors elucidates an intricate and varied phenomenon. Although unexpected deaths account for a very tiny proportion of total fatalities, it is probable that their actual occurrence is underestimated as a result of underreporting and misdiagnosis.

Analysis of visual impairment score in a series of 48 tuberculum sellae meningiomas operated on via the endoscopic endonasal approach.

OBJECTIVE: Tuberculum sellae meningioma (TSM) represents a complex skull base tumor. The primary goals of surgical treatment are represented by maximal safe resection and visual recovery; therefore, appropriate patient selection is critical to optimize results. In the last 2 decades, the endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) has appeared as a successful and viable strategy for the management of these tumors. The authors identified preoperative factors associated with extent of resection and visual outcome after EEA for TSM. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, the authors analyzed patients who underwent extended endoscopic endonasal surgery for TSM between January 2005 and April 2022 at the Division of Neurosurgery, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy. Tumor size, vessel encasement, and optic canal involvement were classified according to University of California, San Francisco, score. Visual acuity and visual fields were analyzed according to the visual impairment score (VIS), defined as a four-level classification: grade 1 (VIS 0-25), grade 2 (VIS 26-50), grade 3 (VIS 51-75), and grade 4 (VIS 76-100). Ophthalmological functions were tested preoperatively and during the early postoperative period (within 6 months after surgery) and late postoperative period. RESULTS: A total of 48 patients were enrolled. Forty-one (85.4%) patients experienced blurred vision or visual field defect as a presenting sign. Gross-total resection was achieved in 40 (83.3%), near-total resection in 2 (4.2%), and subtotal resection in 6 (12.5%). Visual defect improved in 82.9% (34/41) of cases, 12.2% (5/41) had no significant changes, and 2.4% (1/41) had worsened visual defect. The mean change in VIS was 42% (95% CI 58.77-31.23). Visual outcome was poorer when preoperative VIS (VIS-pre) was greater than 25 (p = 0.02). Six postoperative CSF leaks occurred (12.5%), and 1 patient (2.1%) required revision surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The EEA is a safe and effective approach for TSM removal, with the advantage of preserving optic apparatus vascularization, and can promote gross-total resection and visual improvement. The authors have defined four categories based on VIS that relate to postoperative outcome: the lower the VIS-pre, the higher the rate of postoperative VIS improvement. This finding may be useful for predicting a patient's visual outcome at the preoperative stage.

Effect of Optic Canal Opening on Postoperative Visual Acuity in Patients with Tuberculum Sellae Meningiomas.

BACKGROUND: Tuberculum sellae meningiomas (TSMs) account for 5 to 10% of all intracranial meningiomas. They typically invade the optic canal and displace the optic nerve upward and laterally. The transcranial approach has been the standard surgical approach, while the transsphenoidal approach has been proposed for its minimally invasive nature; however, some reservations concerning this approach remain. METHODS: From January 2000 to December 2018, a total of 97 patients who were diagnosed with TSM with invasion of the optic canal were enrolled and underwent microsurgery for tumor removal with optic canal opening. A retrospective analysis was performed on the effect of optic canal opening on postoperative visual acuity improvement. The median follow-up was 17.4 months (range: 3-86 months). RESULTS: Among the 97 patients with TSM involving the optic canal, optic canal invasion was seen on preoperative imaging in 73 patients and during intraoperative exploration in all patients. In total, 87/97 patients (89.7%) underwent optic canal opening to remove tumors involving the optic canal, and the rate of total macroscopic resection of tumors invading the optic canal was 100%. Among the 10 patients who did not undergo optic canal opening, the rate of total resection of tumors involving the optic canal was 80% (8/10, p < 0.001). There were no deaths or serious complications. The postoperative visual acuity improvement rate was 64.4%, 23.7% maintained the preoperative level, and the visual acuity deteriorated 11.9%. CONCLUSION: Intraoperative optic canal opening is the key to total resection of TSMs involving the optic canal and improving postoperative visual acuity.

Trigeminal neuralgia pain outcomes following microsurgical resection versus stereotactic radiosurgery for petroclival meningiomas: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Petroclival meningiomas (PCMs) are challenging lesions to treat because of their deep location and proximity to critical neurovascular structures. Patients with these lesions commonly present because of local mass effect. A symptom that proves challenging to definitively manage is trigeminal neuralgia (TN), which occurs in approximately 5% of PCM cases. To date, there is no consensus on whether microsurgical resection or stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) leads to better outcomes in the treatment of TN secondary to PCM. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, the authors aimed to evaluate the available literature on the efficacy of microsurgical resection versus SRS for controlling TN secondary to PCM. METHODS: The Embase, MEDLINE, Scopus, and Cochrane databases were queried from database inception to May 17, 2022, using the search terms "(petroclival AND meningioma) AND (trigeminal AND neuralgia)." Study inclusion criteria were as follows: 1) reports on patients aged ≥ 18 years and diagnosed with TN secondary to PCM, 2) cases treated with microsurgical resection or SRS, 3) cases with at least one posttreatment follow-up report of TN pain, 4) cases with at least one outcome of tumor control, and 5) publications describing randomized controlled trials, comparative or single-arm observational studies, case reports, or case series. Exclusion criteria were 1) literature reviews, technical notes, conference abstracts, or autopsy reports; 2) publications that did not clearly differentiate data on patients with PCMs from data on patients with different tumors or with meningiomas in different locations (other intracranial or spinal meningiomas); 3) publications that contained insufficient data on treatments and outcomes; and 4) publications not written in the English language. References of eligible studies were screened to retrieve additional relevant studies. Data on pain and tumor outcomes were compared between the microsurgical resection and SRS treatment groups. The DerSimonian-Laird random-effects model with Hartung-Knapp-Sidik-Jonkman variance correction was used to pool estimates from the included studies. RESULTS: Two comparative observational studies and 6 single-arm observational studies describing outcomes after primary intervention were included in the analyses (138 patients). Fifty-seven patients underwent microsurgical resection and 81 underwent SRS for the management of TN secondary to PCM. By the last follow-up (mean 71 months, range 24-149 months), the resection group had significantly higher rates of pain resolution than the SRS group (82%, 95% CI 50%-100% vs 31%, 95% CI 18%-45%, respectively; p = 0.004). There was also a significantly longer median time to tumor recurrence following resection (43.75 vs 16.7 months, p < 0.01). The resection group showed lower rates of pain persistence (0%, 95% CI 0%-6% vs 25%, 95% CI 13%-39%, p = 0.001) and pain exacerbation (0% vs 12%, 95% CI 3%-23%, p = 0.001). The most common postintervention Barrow Neurological Institute pain score in the surgical group was I (66.7%) compared with III (27.2%) in the SRS group. Surgical reintervention was less frequently required following primary resection (1.8%, 95% CI 0%-37% vs 19%, 95% CI 1%-48%, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Microsurgical resection is associated with higher rates of TN pain resolution and lower rates of pain persistence and exacerbation than SRS in the treatment of PCM. SRS with further TN management is a viable alternative in patients who are not good candidates for microsurgical resection.

Feasibility and efficacy of endoscopic transorbital optic canal decompression for meningiomas causing compressive optic neuropathy.

OBJECTIVE: The endoscopic transorbital approach (ETOA) and transorbital anterior clinoidectomy have been suggested as novel procedures through which to reach the superolateral compartments of the orbit, allowing optic canal decompression. However, there is limited literature describing the technical details and surgical outcomes of these procedures. In this study, the authors aimed to analyze the feasibility and efficacy of endoscopic transorbital decompression of the optic canal through anterior clinoidectomy for compressive optic neuropathic lesions. METHODS: Between 2016 and 2022, the authors performed ETOA for compressive optic neuropathic lesions in 14 patients. All these patients underwent transorbital anterior clinoidectomy through the surgically defined "intraorbital clinoidal triangle," which is composed of the roof of the superior orbital fissure, the medial margin of the optic canal, the medial border of the superior orbital fissure, and the optic strut. Demographic data, tumor characteristics, pre- and postoperative imaging, pre- and postoperative visual examinations, and surgical outcomes were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: The mean age at the time of ETOA was 53.3 years (range 41-64 years), and the mean follow-up was 16.8 months (range 6.7-51.4 months). The inclusion criterion in this study was having a meningioma (14 patients). In the preoperative visual function examination, 7 patients with a meningioma showed progressive visual impairment. After endoscopic transorbital optic canal decompression, visual function improved in 5 patients, remained unchanged in 8 patients, and worsened in 1 patient. No new-onset neurological deficit was associated with ETOA and anterior clinoidectomy in any patients. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic transorbital decompression of the optic canal with extradural anterior clinoidectomy is a safe and feasible technique that avoids significant injury to the clinoidal internal carotid artery and surrounding neurovascular structures.

Technical considerations and long-term results of endovascular venous stenting to control venous hypertension from meningiomas invading intracranial venous sinuses.

OBJECTIVE: Meningiomas invading the intracranial venous sinuses may cause intracranial venous hypertension, papilledema, and visual compromise. Sinus resection and graft reconstructions, however, add significant complexity to tumor surgery, with the potential for increased morbidity. In this study, the authors explored whether venous sinus stenting might provide an alternative means of controlling venous hypertension that would be sustainable over the long term. METHODS: The authors performed a retrospective review of all 16 patients with intracranial meningiomas who underwent stenting at their institution for venous sinus compromise. At presentation, all had headache and 9 had papilledema. Thirteen patients had 1 meningioma and 3 had 2 or more. Three patients had had previous tumor resection and radiotherapy. One patient had been treated with a lumboperitoneal shunt and radiotherapy. The median length of clinical follow-up was 8 years (range 4 months-18 years). RESULTS: Venous sinus narrowing was often not confined to the site of meningioma, and bilateral transverse sinus narrowing, reminiscent of that seen in idiopathic intracranial hypertension, was present in 7 patients with sagittal sinus meningiomas. Eleven patients had stents placed solely across sinus narrowing caused by meningioma. Five patients had additional stents placed at other sites of venous narrowing at the same time: in one of these patients, a stent was placed across a defect in the sagittal sinus caused by previous surgery, and in the 4 other patients, stents were placed across nontumor narrowings of the transverse sinuses. In 1 patient, the jugular vein was also stented. Nine patients developed symptomatic in-stent restenosis at the meningioma site. Eight had further stenting procedures with variable success in restoring the in-stent lumen. The remaining patient, with a late partial relapse, is being reinvestigated. Papilledema resolved in all patients after stenting. Six patients experienced prolonged and very substantial relief of all symptoms. Five patients had persistent headache despite restoration of the sinus lumen. Five had persistent symptoms associated with resistant in-stent stenosis. There were no significant complications from any of the diagnostic or therapeutic procedures. CONCLUSIONS: In patients who are symptomatic with meningiomas obstructing the venous sinuses, successful stenting of the affected segment can give a good outcome, especially in terms of relieving papilledema. However, further procedures are often necessary to maintain stent patency, other areas of venous compromise frequently coexist, and some patients remain symptomatic despite apparently successful treatment of the index lesion. Long-term surveillance is a requirement.

The Endoscopic Lateral Transorbital Approach for the Removal of Select Sphenoid Wing and Middle Fossa Meningiomas. Surgical Technique and Short-Term Outcomes.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The endoscopic lateral transorbital approach (eLTOA) is a relatively new approach to the skull base that has only recently been applied in vivo in the management of complex skull base pathology. Most meningiomas removed with this approach have been in the spheno-orbital location. We present a series of select purely sphenoid wing and middle fossa meningiomas removed through eLTOA. The objective here was to describe the selection criteria and results of eLTOA for a subset of sphenoid wing and middle fossa meningiomas. METHODS: This is a retrospective study based on a prospectively maintained database of consecutive cases of eLTOA operated on at our institution by the lead author. The cohort's clinical and radiographic characteristics and outcome are presented. RESULTS: Five patients underwent eLTOA to remove 3 sphenoid wing and 2 middle fossa meningiomas. The mean tumor volume was 11.9 cm 3 . Gross total resection was achieved in all cases. There were no intraoperative complications. Postoperatively, there was one case of subretinal hemorrhage, which was corrected by open vitrectomy repair, and one case of cerebrospinal fluid leak, which resolved with lumbar drainage. Three patients presented with visual impairment, 1 improved, 1 remained stable, and 1 worsened, but returned to stable after vitrectomy repair. All patients have been free of disease at a median follow-up of 8.9 months. CONCLUSION: eLTOA provides a direct minimal access corridor to certain well-selected sphenoid wing and middle fossa meningiomas. eLTOA minimizes brain retraction and provides a high rate of gross total resection. Meningiomas appropriately selected based on size, type, and location of dural attachment, and the eLTOA is a safe, rapid, and highly effective procedure with acceptable morbidity.

The treatment efficacy of radiotherapy for optic nerve sheath meningioma.

OBJECTIVES: Optic nerve sheath meningioma (ONSM) is a rare benign tumour that accounts for approximately 2% of all orbital tumours. Radiotherapy has gradually become an important treatment for ONSM because of its good effect in preserving or improving vision. We aimed to explore the effect of radiotherapy on tumour control and vision preservation/improvement in patients with ONSM. METHODS: Forty-three patients with primary ONSM treated in our institution from 2015 to 2021 were enrolled. The irradiation dose was from 50.4 to 54 Gy with 28-30 fractions. We evaluated the tumour volume on MRI or CT, and visual acuity before and after the radiotherapy. RESULTS: Thirty-four patients (79%) experienced a vision decrease at diagnosis. The mean duration of follow-up was 54.1 months (ranges: 18-93, median: 56). Among 25 patients who had tumour evaluation using MRI, 16 patients (37.2%) showed stable tumours, 7 patients (16.3%) had tumour shrinkage, but 2 patients (4.7%) experienced tumour progression. Among the 39 patients performing vision acuity evaluation, 16 patients (37.2%) had vision improvement or recovery. 16 of the 23 patients without vision improvement demonstrated severe visual loss at diagnosis. Two patients had evidence of tumour progression during the follow-up. Additionally, 4 (10.2%) patients had dry eyes, 7 (17.9%) patients experienced watery eyes, and 3 (7.7%) patients had eye swelling. Patients with vision loss for more than 12 months had a lower possibility of vision recovery than those with vision loss for less than 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: Radiotherapy such as IMRT, VMAT, and 3D-CRT plays an important role in the treatment of ONSM. The probability of vision recovery is lower in patients with severe vision loss at diagnosis or the duration of vision loss is more than 12 months.