Tuberculum sellae meningiomas

Tuberculum sellae meningiomas are a classic tumor of the anterior fossa that present in patients with gradual visual deterioration secondary to optic apparatus compression. If untreated, complete blindness can occur. Treatment involves tumor removal and decompression of the optic chiasm via several operative approaches. Gross-total resection (Simpson Grade I or II) is the goal of treatment and can usually be accomplished safely. Special excision-related considerations include appreciation of arachnoid planes separating the tumor from neural tissue, adequate drilling of osseous elements for optimal exposure, and intraoperative preservation of the vascular supply to the optic apparatus. The authors reviewed their experience at the University of California, San Francisco, in cases of tuberculum sellae meningiomas treated between 1992 and 2002. In most patients, improvement of vision can be achieved with minimal postoperative complications and morbidity.