Clinical Aspects of Spinal Meningiomas: a Review

Spinal meningiomas are found in all age groups, predominantly in women aged over 50 years. The clinical symptoms of this condition may range from mild to significant neurological deficit, varying widely depending on the location, position in relation to the spinal cord, size and histological type of the tumor. Magnetic resonance imaging is the diagnostic tool of choice because it shows the location, size, the axial position of the tumor, and the presence of concomitant conditions such as spinal malformations, edema or syringomyelia.  According to the degree of malignancy, the World Health Organization divides meningiomas into three grades: grade I - benign; grade II - atypical, and grade III - malignant. The goal of the surgery is total resection which is achievable in 82%-98% of cases. Advances in radiosurgery have led to its increased use as primary or adjunct therapy. The current paper aims to review the fundamental clinical as-pects of spinal meningiomas such as their epidemiology, clinical presentation, histological characteristics, diagnostics, and management.