Risk Factors for High-Grade Meningioma in Brain and Spine: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Hong Kyung Shin1, Jin Hoon Park1, Young Hyun Cho1

  • 1Department of Neurological Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.

World Neurosurgery
|May 11, 2021
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

High-grade meningiomas (grades II and III) are more common in the brain and in males. These aggressive tumors have a significantly higher recurrence rate compared to grade I meningiomas.

Area of Science:

  • Neuropathology
  • Oncology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Histologic grade is crucial for meningioma management.
  • Understanding the risk factors for high-grade meningioma (grades II and III) is essential.
  • Recurrence rates vary based on tumor grade and location.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review the histologic grade of meningioma.
  • To analyze the proportion of high-grade meningiomas based on tumor location and patient sex.
  • To determine the relationship between histologic grade and meningioma recurrence.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic search of PubMed and Embase databases up to February 4, 2020.
  • Inclusion of studies regardless of anatomic location, histologic grade, or tumor size.
  • Pooled analysis of high-grade meningioma proportions and odds ratios (OR) for recurrence using a random-effects model.

Main Results:

  • Analysis of 20,336 tumors from 34 studies revealed higher high-grade meningioma proportions in the brain (12.8%) versus the spine (2.4%).
  • Nonskull base meningiomas (16.5%) showed a higher proportion of high-grade tumors than skull base meningiomas (8.7%).
  • High-grade meningiomas were more prevalent in males (18.0%) than females (7.0%) and had a significantly higher recurrence rate (OR = 13.83) compared to grade I meningiomas.

Conclusions:

  • Intracranial location, nonskull base location, and male sex are identified as risk factors for high-grade meningioma.
  • High-grade meningiomas exhibit a substantially increased risk of recurrence compared to grade I meningiomas.
  • These findings aid in risk stratification and personalized management strategies for meningioma patients.

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