Resection of Meningiomas Involving Major Dural Venous Sinuses: Classification, Technique, and Long-Term Results

Management of meningiomas with major dural venous sinus involvement is challenging. We present our case series and perspective on reconstruction of the sinuses.

Fifty-five patients underwent operations between 2005 and 2016 and the retrospective data were collected and analyzed.

The cohort was younger with a mean of 51.3 years (range, 19-72 years) predominantly involving the superior sagittal sinus (44 patients). Sinus involvement was classified into group 1 (<50% of sinus, n = 28), group 2 (50%-99%, n = 8), and group 3 (total occlusion, n = 19). Venous collateralization was present in 100% of group 2 and 3 and in 36% of group 1 occlusions. Sinus pericranii was seen in 22 patients. Gross total resection was achieved in 87.2%, and sinus reconstruction followed in 38 patients (24 by direct suture and 14 by a patch graft). Pathology showed 36 (65%) World Health Organization grade I, 18 (33%) grade II, and 1 (2%) grade III tumors. During the mean follow-up of 60 months (range, 1-132 months), sinus was patent (74%) or narrowed but patent (24%) in 98%; 2 recurrences (3.6%) were observed (at 24 and 120 months). The mean preoperative/postoperative Karnofsky Performance Status and Kaplan-Meier cumulative overall/recurrence-free survival were 84.2%/88.1% and 90.9%/80.1%, respectively.

These meningiomas present in a younger population, are more likely to be World Health Organization grade II or III, necessitating a more aggressive tumor resection strategy. Aggressive resection coupled with sinus reconstruction results in good long-term surgical outcome and low recurrence rates.