Surgical management of lateral tentorial meningiomas

OBJECTIVE: Tentorial meningiomas represent an heterogeneous group of tumors. Most of the published series deal with either a small number of patients or consider different locations as a whole, making indications for treatment and prognosis difficult to be drawn.We analysed the surgical management of the lateral tentorial meningiomas, a homogenous and rare sub-group.METHODS: 52 later tentorial meningiomas were operated between 1990 and 2010. Clinical, radiological features and surgical management of these patients were reviewed. Tumors were further subcategorized in posterior/intermediate and in supra/infratentorial subgroups. Surgical outcome, long-term results and prognostic factors are described.RESULTS: Mean age was 57 years(41 female,11 male). Mean tumor size was 46 mm; most had an infratentorial location(36vs16). Prevailing presenting symptoms were headache(n=28), vertigo/gait disturbances(n=25), confusion and visual disturbances(n=16). The infratentorial group presented with poorer clinical condition before as well as after operation. Extent of tumor resection was Simpson I in 10 patients, II in 26, III in 6 and IV in 10. Subtotal resection was statistically correlated with sinus invasion and tumor size. There was no surgical mortality. Permanent complications occurred in 3 patients. At latest follow-up(mean: 119 months)42/46 resumed their normal daily activity. Six cases recurred and remained stable after radiosurgery.CONCLUSION: Lateral tentorial meningomas are an homogeneous entity characterized by simple surgical approaches and favourable outcome(no mortality and low overall morbidity).Infratentorial location was more frequent and characterized by poorer outcome.The limiting factors for surgical removal were tumor size and sinus invasion. The latter point strengths the rationale for their classification into posterior and intermediate.