[Clinical implications of acoustic neuromas growth rate in volumetric study]

The pattern of neuroma growth is of great importance in choosing the appropriate management. This paper tests the clinical impact of tumor growth rate assessed by volumetry. There is a conviction that some slowly growing tumors could be observed for many years.

Volume measurements were performed on T1- weighted MR images (spin echo sequences) after injection of gadolinium using a special dedicated software. The studied group included 17 patients in whom at least two MRI examinations were carried out and tumor growth was confirmed. The intervals between initial and the first follow-up examination were 14.2 months on the average. In 7 cases tumor evolution was observed in 2 periods (3 MRI studies) and in 4 cases in 3 periods (4 MRI studies).

The growth rate depended on tumors volume and clinical stage (P<0.01). Small tumors can be observed more safely than advanced tumors because their increase in mass is lower.

The observation with the tumoral volume measurements appears to be a useful and accurate tool to estimate the tumor growth rate. The growth rate is a major factor for choosing the appropriate management.