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Spinal-thoracic dumbbell meningioma: a case report
M Buchfelder1, P Nomikos, W Paulus
1Department of Neurosurgery, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany. michael.buchfelder@nch.imed.uni-erlangen.de
Spine
|July 18, 2001
Summary
A two-step surgical approach effectively removed a large cervicothoracic dumbbell meningioma, enabling significant patient recovery and mobility. This method proved safe and effective for complex spinal tumors.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Thoracic Surgery
- Oncology
Background:
- Management of dumbbell tumors, particularly large cervicothoracic meningiomas, remains controversial due to limited data.
- Existing literature often lacks specific guidance for extensive intra- and extraspinal meningiomas.
Observation:
- A 72-year-old female patient presented with a large cervicothoracic intra- and extraspinal meningioma extending into the posterior mediastinum.
- The patient experienced significant mobility deficits prior to surgical intervention.
Findings:
- A modified two-step surgical technique involving laminectomy and thoracotomy achieved complete excision of the meningioma.
- The patient demonstrated remarkable recovery, regaining substantial mobility and the ability to walk independently within 3 years.
- No tumor recurrence was observed during the follow-up period.
Implications:
- A staged neurosurgical-thoracosurgical approach is recommended for complete resection of large spinal-thoracic meningiomas.
- This technique offers a safe and effective treatment option, even for elderly patients with severe neurological deficits.
- The findings support the potential for significant functional recovery after aggressive surgical management of complex meningiomas.