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Ventral foramen magnum meninigiomas
K I Arnautović1, O Al-Mefty, M Husain
1Department of Neurosurgery, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, USA.
Journal of Neurosurgery
|January 1, 2000
Summary
Ventral foramen magnum meningiomas (VFMMs) can often be surgically removed, leading to improved patient outcomes. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for better prognosis, especially in cases with lower Karnofsky Performance Scale scores.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Oncology
- Neurology
Background:
- Ventral foramen magnum meningiomas (VFMMs) are rare and challenging tumors.
- VFMMs constitute over 3% of all meningiomas.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively analyze features of VFMMs.
- To evaluate surgical outcomes and prognostic factors for VFMMs.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 18 patients with VFMMs treated via transcondylar approach.
- Analysis of surgical extent, Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) scores, and complications.
- Mean follow-up of 40 months.
Main Results:
- Gross-total resection achieved in 75% of primary surgeries.
- Statistically significant improvement in postoperative KPS scores.
- Lower cranial nerve deficits were common but transient complications.
Conclusions:
- Radical resection of VFMMs is feasible in most patients.
- Recurrent tumor removal can lead to stable long-term outcomes.
- Early diagnosis and treatment are recommended, particularly for patients with low KPS scores.