star star star star star_half
based on 1 ratings

Last updated: May 28, 2020
Revisions: 6

Last updated: May 28, 2020
Revisions: 6

format_list_bulletedContents add remove

Introduction

A meningioma is a non-glial cell growth arising from the arachnoid meningothelial cells within the meninges. Meningiomas form around 30% of all brain tumours.

Meningiomas are typically benign and slow growing. Around 90% of meningiomas occur within the cranium, with 25% around the falx cerebri, 20% on the convexity, and 20% on the sphenoid wing.

The annual incidence of meningiomas is currently around 1.3-7.8 per 100,000 and are more common in females than males.

Figure 1 – Coronal section of the skull, meninges, and cerebrum

Classification

The WHO classification of meningiomas classifies them into 3 grades

Grade Type Characteristics

I

Meningioma 90% of meningiomas, benign tumours

II

Atypical meningioma 5% of meningiomas, abnormal cells, more likely to recur post-resection

III

Anaplastic meningioma 5% of meningiomas, malignant tumour, fast growing and more frequent recurrence post-resection

Risk Factors

Most cases are sporadic with no identifiable risk factors. However, known risk factors include increasing age, previous cranial irradiation, or certain genetic disorders (e.g. neurofibromatosis type II).

Clinical Features

Meningioma presentation occurs as that of any space-occupying lesion. They can also often be an incidental finding, especially when asymptomatic and benign.

Clinical features can include seizures, cranial nerve palsies or visual field defects, language dysfunction, or features of raised intracranial pressure.

Differential Diagnosis

Potential differentials can be either neoplastic or non-neoplastic lesions. Neoplastic lesions include gliomas, secondary metastasis, or lymphoma, whilst non-neoplastic causes of a mass lesion include infection (i.e. cerebral abscess) or infarction.

Investigations

Imaging

CT head imaging with IV contrast is often the first line investigation performed. Meningiomas appear as well-circumscribed (globose) extra-axial masses with uniform contrast enhancement on imaging, and potential associated regions of dural thickening.

MRI imaging may also be used to further characterise and assess the lesion. Angiography can be required the assessment of tumour blood supply to aid in planned operative approach.

Figure 2 (A) CT scan showing a meningioma with surrounding oedema (B) MRI scan showing a meningioma

Biopsy

A biopsy can be used to confirm the diagnosis, which can be achieved either through a stereotactic (burr hole) approach or through open exploration (craniotomy).

For the burr hole approach, a Leksell stereotactic frame can be used, which is based around an arc on a rectangular based ring attached to skull via four pins. The system then co-ordinates the centre of the target to perform the biopsy (can also be used in gamma knife surgery, discussed later).

Management

Treatment choice depends on patient factors (e.g. age, co-morbidities, performance status), disease factors (e.g. volume, location, evidence of growth, evidence of calcification), and treatment factors (e.g. probability of satisfactory excision or disease control, operative risks)

Treatment options involve combinations of endovascular embolisation, surgical removal, radiotherapy (including gamma knife). Chemotherapy will be employed as adjuvant treatment to surgery, or in anaplastic or recurring meninigiomas.

Endovascular Embolisation

This treatment is usually performed by an interventional neuroradiologist*, involving an endovascular catheter passing up to the location of the meningioma, before embolising the tumour.

This technique can act as an adjuvant to neurosurgical resection, aiming to optimise chance of resection success (minimising bleeding in highly vascularised tumours), improve operating times and recovery times, or even to facilitate palliation 

*Intraoperative digital subtraction angiography can be used to ascertain the correct position of the vasculature being targeted

Surgical Removal

There are 3 classifications for extent of resection (EOR) that can be performed (1) gross total resection* (2) subtotal resection (3) biopsy only.

A Mayfield three-point fixation method is often employed for accuracy in targeting the lesion; a Mayfield clamp is used to immobilise the patient’s skull, the image-guided system and retractor components can then be attached to the clamp.

The location of the meningioma using navigation is confirmed using surface anatomical landmarks. The operative approach chosen aims to maximise conservation of normal anatomy and lesion exposure.

*Whilst the entire tumour removed, microscopic cells may remain

Intra-Operative Equipment

The cavitron ultrasonic surgical aspirator (CUSA) uses ultrasound waveforms to cavitate neural tissue, which can then be aspirated +/- irrigated

Neuronavigation is used to enhance lesion location and to facilitate protection of key structures. A 3D model is created from the optical/electromagnetic probe and detector, reconstructing axial images into the 3D model.

Radiotherapy

Figure 3 – Graphic demonstrating the Leksell Gamma Knife

Radiotherapy can be employed as an adjunct to surgery, in cases of tumour recurrence, or where factors preclude surgery.

Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) uses high-dose focused radiation that targets the lesion and minimises damage to surrounding tissues, even allowing long-term tumour control to be possible.

One such type of SRS is the Gamme Knife, using multiple beams of radiation from all three dimensions to focus on a small volume, allowing for high radiation doses to be delivered.

Prognosis

The Simpson grade of meningioma resection can be used to help predict symptomatic recurrence following treatment (although other factors can now also employed to determine mortality)

Description

Recurrence at 10yrs

Grade I Total removal including resection of underlying bone plus associated dura

9%

Grade II Total removal plus coagulation of dural attachment

19%

Grade III Total removal without resection of dura or coagulation

29%

Grade IV Subtotal resection

44%

Grade V Simple decompression +/- biopsy

100%

 

Key Points

  • Meningioma is the commonest type of primary brain tumour, of which 90% are benign
  • Definitive diagnosis is made by CT and/or MRI imaging, followed by biopsy
  • Management options include surgical intervention or radiotherapy
  • Stereotactic radiosurgery can be used successfully in treatment of operatively inaccessible tumours and local tumour growth control