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Published on: July 5, 2021

Temporal bone meningiomas

F D Vrionis, J H Robertson, G Gardner

    Skull Base Surgery
    |December 16, 2006
    PubMed

    Insights

    Temporal bone meningiomas, often originating outside the temporal bone, present with otologic symptoms. Surgical treatment has a high recurrence rate, necessitating combined surgical approaches for optimal outcomes.

    Area of Science:

    • Neurosurgery
    • Otolaryngology
    • Oncology

    Background:

    • Meningiomas involving the temporal bone (TB) can be intratemporal or extratemporal.
    • Extratemporal meningiomas frequently invade the TB secondarily.
    • Patients typically present with otologic symptoms and signs.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To retrospectively review surgical outcomes for patients with temporal bone meningiomas.
    • To identify challenges and recommend optimal surgical strategies for these tumors.

    Main Methods:

    • Retrospective chart review of 13 patients who underwent surgery for temporal bone meningiomas.
    • Exclusion of posterior fossa tumors with only hyperostosis and no invasion.
    • Analysis of tumor origin, extension, surgical approach, and patient outcomes.

    Main Results:

    • Tumors originated from various locations including the temporal bone, jugular foramen, and petroclival region.
    • Common extensions included the middle ear, eustachian tube, and labyrinth.
    • Gross total resection was achieved in 11 patients; 4 required lower cranial nerve sacrifice.
    • A high recurrence rate (6/12) was observed, necessitating reoperation in most cases.

    Conclusions:

    • Surgical treatment of temporal bone meningiomas is associated with a high recurrence rate due to indistinct tumor margins.
    • Combined surgical approaches involving neurosurgical and otological teams are recommended for meningiomas originating in the temporal bone.

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