Management of hypertrophied dural lesions: Is surgery a better option?

It is often difficult to definitively diagnose dural lesions with hypertrophy as they exhibit nonspecific imaging findings and clinical symptoms. Most cases require histopathological evaluation with surgical intervention (such as biopsy). However, complications related to surgical interventions remain as matter of concern. Herein, we analyzed and verified the significance of surgery in 39 patients with hypertrophic dural lesions who were histopathologically diagnosed with surgical interventions. Specimens of dural lesions were obtained successfully, and it was possible to make a definitive diagnosis for each case based on histopathological findings. All patients tolerate the procedures well, and there were no evidences of surgery-related complications during surgical approach to the dura mater. Preoperative and pathological diagnoses varied in eight cases. Our results indicate that histopathological evaluation is important for distinguishing diseases showing dural hypertrophy even if surgical invasiveness is concerned. Neurosurgeons should not hesitate to perform surgery for management of dural lesions with hypertrophy in order to achieve accurate diagnosis.