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Microcystic meningioma is a rare tumor with myxoid and microcystic features. Our objective was to evaluate the efficacy of surgical resection of microcystic meningioma. Between December 1985 and October 2000 we treated 25 microcystic meningioma patients with surgical resection. We retrospectively analyzed the results including the long-term follow-up of this patient population. We identified 15 women and 10 men with a mean age of 53.8 years (24–76 years) who had microcystic meningiomas treated with surgery. Based on the Simpson grade, we found four Grade I (16%), 16 Grade II (64%), three Grade III (12%) and two Grade IV (8%) resections. The mean preoperative Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) score was 80.3 (range 60–100). The mean postoperative KPS score was 90.4 (range 60–100). At a mean follow-up of 101.7 months (range 16–221) the KPS score improved to a mean of 93.8. The recurrence/progression free survival (RFS/PFS) rates at 3 and 5 years were 96% and 88%, respectively. The 3 and 5 year RFS/PFS rates based on the Simpson grade were evaluated. The 3 year RFS/PFS rates for Grade I, II, III and IV were 100%, 100%, 66.6% and 100%, respectively. The 5 year RFS/PFS rates were 66.6%, 90%, 66.6% and 100%, respectively. Microcystic meningioma is a rare tumor, which is characterized by extracellular microcystic spaces filled by edematous fluid and peritumoral edema. Following surgical resection these tumors have a positive prognosis with a benign course. The surgical outcomes seem to be associated with the risks related to the surgical procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Resection of tumors of the third ventricle via the anterior interhemispheric transcallosal approach represents a surgical challenge. It carries a risk of postoperative complications, due to the role of surrounding structures in control of eloquent functions. We reviewed the immediate morbidity and mortality associated with this approach. Between June 1993 and July 2007, 38 patients underwent resection of tumors of the third ventricle via the anterior interhemispheric transcallosal approach at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center. Their 30-day postoperative morbidity and mortality rates were retrospectively analyzed relative to clinical variables possibly affecting these rates. Complications were categorized as neurological, regional, and systemic and were subclassified as major or minor. The overall complication rate was 50%. Major complications occurred in 37% of patients; 34% suffered neurological complications (16% being major complications). Surgical mortality was 8%. Univariate analysis demonstrated that tumor hemorrhage (p =0.04), preoperative Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) score (p =0.04), tumor status (recurrent versus [vs.] new or residual; p =0.01), and cauterization of any of the bridging veins (p =0.04) were associated with the incidence of postoperative complications. Multivariate analysis showed that increased age at surgery (p =0.04), tumor status (p =0.03), preoperative KPS score (p =0.02), and the extent of tumor resection (p =0.05) correlated significantly with the incidence of postoperative complications. Resection of tumors of the third ventricle via the interhemispheric transcallosal approach is associated with significant postoperative morbidity. Preserving the venous structures is of paramount importance in minimizing major neurological complications. Our results have practical risk-predictive value and can serve as the foundation for subsequent outcome studies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Multiple treatment options are available for patients with hypothalamic hamartoma (HH) including the frontotemporal approaches, the anterior transcallosal transseptal interforniceal approach, the transventricular endoscopic approach, and stereotactic radiosurgery. Relatively large patient series of the transcallosal resection/disconnection from Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne and the Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, AZ, show, respectively, that 52% to 54% are 100% seizure free, and 24% to 35% have >90% seizure reduction. However, there appears to be an 8% to 14% risk of persisting memory problems. The surgery should ideally be performed in the early years of childhood before secondary generalized epilepsy develops and developmental delay and behavioral problems are established. Radiosurgery may be a preferable option for higher-functioning adolescent or adult patients with HH. The choice of treatment must be individualized depending on the age and clinical circumstances of the patient and the size and anatomic relationships of the hamartoma. The transcallosal resection of HH is an effective and safe treatment, but there is a small risk of short-term memory impairment. The endoscopic approach is an alternative to the transcallosal approach for smaller HH. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This article discusses the use of radiosurgery in the treatment of tumors of the jugular foramen, including glomus tumors; schwannomas involving cranial nerves (CNs) IX, X, and XI; and meningiomas. The appropriate role of radiosurgery, stereotactic radiotherapy, or both in the management of these tumors is controversial. Radiosurgery may be used as a primary treatment modality or as an adjunct after subtotal or partial extirpation of a tumor. Although long-term follow-up for as long as 7 years does not conclusively demonstrate the efficacy of radiosurgery in controlling tumors, results have been comparable to those achieved with conventional radiotherapy. Furthermore, radiosurgical outcomes compared favorably with CN morbidity and mortality of surgical series and with radiation-induced morbidity in radiotherapy series. Finally, the limitations and disadvantages of radiosurgery in the treatment of these lesions are discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]