Spinal meningiomas: Treatment outcome and long-term follow-up

L E Kwee1, B S Harhangi2, G A Ponne2

  • 1Department of Neurosurgery, Noordwest Ziekenhuisgroep, Alkmaar, the Netherlands.

Abstract

Insights

Spinal meningiomas are common intradural tumors. Surgery offers good outcomes, but longer follow-up is needed due to potential late recurrences, especially in younger patients.

Area of Science:

  • Neurosurgery
  • Oncology
  • Spinal Surgery

Background:

  • Spinal meningiomas are frequent intradural, extramedullary tumors (IDEMs).
  • They represent 12% of all meningiomas and 25-45% of intradural spinal tumors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Evaluate postoperative outcomes in spinal meningioma patients.
  • Identify factors influencing mortality, recurrence, and functional status (modified Rankin Scale).
  • Define potential prognosticators for spinal meningioma management.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 166 spinal meningioma patients over 29 years (1989-2018).
  • Data collected on tumor characteristics, surgical resection extent, postoperative complications, recurrence, and functional outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Complete resection (Simpson I-III) achieved in 88.7% of cases.
  • Recurrence occurred in 7.2% of patients, with higher rates in younger patients and those with incomplete resection.
  • 79.1% of patients showed improved functional status (mRS); postoperative complications impacted overall outcome.

Conclusions:

  • Surgery is the primary treatment for spinal meningiomas, prioritizing neurological preservation.
  • Morbidity and mortality are low, but longer follow-up is crucial for detecting late recurrences.
  • Prognostic factors include pre-existing bladder/bowel issues and resection completeness.

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