Brain Metastasis of an Invasive Thymoma

Neurosurgery ◽  
1987 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 484-486 ◽  
Author(s):  
Werner Dewes ◽  
William F. Chandler ◽  
R. Gormanns ◽  
G. Ebhardt

Abstract A rare case of a thymoma metastatic to brain is reported. This tumor was localized intraoperatively with the use of transdural ultrasound imaging, and gross total resection was accomplished. Radiation therapy was administered to both brain and mediastinum. The growth characteristics, classification, and treatment of thymomas are discussed.

1992 ◽  
Vol 77 (4) ◽  
pp. 531-540 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen R. Smalley ◽  
Edward R. Laws ◽  
Judith R. O'Fallon ◽  
Edward G. Shaw ◽  
Mark F. Schray

✓ The authors reviewed 229 consecutive patients treated intramurally by resection of solitary cerebral metastasis. Patients were classified into four groups on the basis of whether a gross total resection or subtotal resection was performed and whether systemic disease was present or absent at the time of craniotomy. Group 1 had gross total resection and no systemic disease; Group 2 had subtotal resection and no systemic disease; Group 3 had subtotal resection and systemic disease; and Group 4 had gross total resection and systemic disease. All four groups were further subdivided into Subgroup A (adjuvant whole-brain radiation therapy) or Subgroup B (no adjuvant radiation). Data were collected regarding multiple patient and tumor variables for multivariate analysis. Survival data for the 46 patients in Group 1A (median 1.3 years, 2-year survival rate 41%, 5-year survival rate 21%) were markedly better than those for the 75 in Group IB (median 0.7 year, 2-year survival rate 19%, 5-year survival rate 4%). The 20 patients in Group 2A also had superior survival data (median 1.1 years, 2-year survival rate 30%, 3-year survival rate 30%) when compared with the eight patients in Group 2B (median 3 months, 1-year survival rate 0%). However, the 16 and 22 patients in Groups 3A and 4A, respectively, had no discernible differences compared to the seven and 35 patients in their Group 3B and 4B counterparts. Multivariate analyses were performed to assess the association of survival with multiple patient, disease, and treatment variables. Poor neurological status and systemic disease were significantly associated with inferior survival, while longer (> 36 months) intervals between primary diagnosis and craniotomy were significantly associated with improved survival. After adjusting for the effects of other patient, disease, and treatment characteristics, adjuvant whole-brain radiotherapy was significantly associated with improved survival times. These data support the continued use of craniotomy followed by adjuvant wholebrain radiation therapy for treatment of solitary brain metastasis. However, this aggressive therapy appears relatively contraindicated in the face of either systemic disease or substantial neurological deficit.


2007 ◽  
Vol 6 (5) ◽  
pp. 451-454 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fulin Wang ◽  
Xianghong Li ◽  
Linghong Chen ◽  
Xiaolu Pu

✓Meningeal melanocytomas are rare tumors and malignant transformation of these lesions is even rarer. The authors report on a case of a 57-year-old man who presented with a melanocytoma located at the L5–S1 level. After gross-total resection of the tumor, it recurred 1 year later as a malignant melanoma. In addition, multiple subcutaneous metastases were found at that time. The patient was treated with radiation therapy (5000 cGy). Five months later metastases in the liver and the left ninth rib were discovered. The pertinent literature is reviewed and disease criteria are presented to distinguish meningeal melanocytoma from malignant melanoma and from meningiomas or schwannomas containing melanotic pigment. Patients and investigators should be cautioned that a meningeal melanocytoma may recur and transform into a malignant melanoma.


2013 ◽  
Vol 119 (2) ◽  
pp. 475-481 ◽  
Author(s):  
Douglas A. Hardesty ◽  
Andrew B. Wolf ◽  
David G. Brachman ◽  
Heyoung L. McBride ◽  
Emad Youssef ◽  
...  

Object Patients with atypical meningioma often undergo gross-total resection (GTR) at initial presentation, but the role of adjuvant radiation therapy remains unclear. The increasing prevalence of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) in the modern neurosurgical era has led to the use of routine postoperative radiation therapy in the absence of evidence-based guidelines. This study sought to define the long-term recurrence rate of atypical meningiomas and identify the value of SRS in affecting outcome. Methods The authors identified 228 patients with microsurgically treated atypical meningiomas who underwent a total of 257 resections at the Barrow Neurological Institute over the last 20 years. Atypical meningiomas were diagnosed according to current WHO criteria. Clinical and radiographic data were collected retrospectively. Results Median clinical and radiographic follow-up was 52 months. Gross-total resection, defined as Simpson Grade I or II resection, was achieved in 149 patients (58%). The median proliferative index was 6.9% (range 0.4%–20.6%). Overall 51 patients (22%) demonstrated tumor recurrence at a median of 20.2 months postoperatively. Seventy-one patients (31%) underwent adjuvant radiation postoperatively, with 32 patients (14%) receiving adjuvant SRS and 39 patients (17%) receiving adjuvant intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). The recurrence rate for patients receiving SRS was 25% (8/32) and for IMRT was 18% (7/39), which was not significantly different from the overall group. Gross-total resection was predictive of progression-free survival (PFS; relative risk 0.255, p < 0.0001), but postoperative SRS was not associated with improved PFS in all patients or in only those with subtotal resections. Conclusions Atypical meningiomas are increasingly irradiated, even after complete or near-complete microsurgical resection. This analysis of the largest patient series to date suggests that close observation remains reasonable in the setting of aggressive microsurgical resection. Although postoperative adjuvant SRS did not significantly affect tumor recurrence rates in this experience, a larger cohort study with longer follow-up may reveal a therapeutic benefit in the future.


2005 ◽  
Vol 102 (4) ◽  
pp. 629-636 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leland Rogers ◽  
Jeanette Pueschel ◽  
Robert Spetzler ◽  
William Shapiro ◽  
Stephen Coons ◽  
...  

Object. The goals of this study were to analyze outcomes in patients with posterior fossa ependymomas, determine whether gross-total resection (GTR) alone is appropriate treatment, and evaluate the role of radiation therapy. Methods. All patients with newly diagnosed intracranial ependymomas treated at Barrow Neurological Institute between 1983 and 2002 were identified. Those with supratentorial primary lesions, subependymomas, or neuraxis dissemination were excluded. Forty-five patients met the criteria for the study. Gross-total resection was accomplished in 32 patients (71%) and subtotal resection (STR) in 13 (29%). Radiation therapy was given to 25 patients: 13 following GTR and 12 after STR. The radiation fields were craniospinal followed by a posterior fossa boost in six patients and posterior fossa or local only in the remaining patients. With a median follow-up period of 66 months, the median duration of local control was 73.5 months with GTR alone, but has not yet been reached for patients with both GTR and radiotherapy (p = 0.020). The median duration of local control following STR and radiotherapy was 79.6 months. The 10-year actuarial local control rate was 100% for patients who underwent GTR and radiotherapy, 50% for those who underwent GTR alone, and 36% for those who underwent both STR and radiotherapy, representing significant differences between the GTR-plus-radiotherapy and GTR-alone cohorts (p = 0.018), and between the GTR-plus-radiotherapy and the STR-plus-radiotherapy group (p = 0.003). There was no significant difference in the 10-year actuarial local control rate between the GTR-alone and STR-plus-radiotherapy cohorts (p = 0.370). The 10-year overall survival was numerically superior in patients who underwent both GTR and radiotherapy: 83% compared with 67% in those who underwent GTR alone and 43% in those who underwent both STR and radiotherapy. These differences did not achieve statistical significance. Univariate analyses revealed that radiotherapy, tumor grade, and extent of resection were significant predictors of local control. Conclusions. Gross-total resection should be the intent of surgery when it can be accomplished with an acceptable degree of morbidity. Even after GTR has been confirmed with postoperative imaging, however, adjuvant radiotherapy significantly improves local control. The authors currently recommend the use of postoperative radiotherapy, regardless of whether the resection is gross total or subtotal.


2018 ◽  
Vol 28 (6) ◽  
pp. 654-662 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Wostrack ◽  
Florian Ringel ◽  
Sven O. Eicker ◽  
Max Jägersberg ◽  
Karl Schaller ◽  
...  

OBJECTIVESpinal ependymomas are rare glial neoplasms. Because their incidence is low, only a few larger studies have investigated this condition. There are no clear data concerning prognosis and therapy. The aim of the study was to describe the natural history, perioperative clinical course, and local tumor control of adult patients with spinal ependymomas who were surgically treated under modern treatment standards.METHODSThe authors performed a multicenter retrospective study. They identified 158 adult patients with spinal ependymomas who had received surgical treatment between January 2006 and June 2013. The authors analyzed the clinical and histological aspects of these cases to identify the predictive factors for postoperative morbidity, tumor resectability, and recurrence.RESULTSGross-total resection (GTR) was achieved in 80% of cases. At discharge, 37% of the patients showed a neurological decline. During follow-up the majority recovered, whereas 76% showed at least preoperative status. Permanent functional deterioration remained in 2% of the patients. Transient deficits were more frequent in patients with cervically located ependymomas (p = 0.004) and in older patients (p = 0.002). Permanent deficits were independently predicted only by older age (p = 0.026). Tumor progression was observed in 15 cases. The 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) rate was 80%, and GTR (p = 0.037), WHO grade II (p = 0.009), and low Ki-67 index (p = 0.005) were independent prognostic factors for PFS. Adjuvant radiation therapy was performed in 15 cases. No statistically relevant effects of radiation therapy were observed among patients with incompletely resected ependymomas (p = 0.079).CONCLUSIONSDue to its beneficial value for PFS, GTR is important in the treatment of spinal ependymoma. Gross-total resection is feasible in the majority of cases, with acceptable rates of permanent deficits. Also, Ki-67 appears to be an important prognostic factor and should be included in a grading scheme for spinal ependymomas.


Neurosurgery ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 76 (6) ◽  
pp. 739-746 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sam Q. Sun ◽  
Chunyu Cai ◽  
Vijay M. Ravindra ◽  
Paul Gamble ◽  
Chester K. Yarbrough ◽  
...  

Abstract BACKGROUND: Because of their rarity, outcomes regarding spinal atypical meningiomas (AMs) remain unclear. OBJECTIVE: To describe the recurrence rate and postoperative outcomes after resection of spinal AMs, and to discuss an appropriate resection strategy and adjuvant therapy for spinal AMs. METHODS: Data from all patients who presented with spinal AMs to 2 tertiary referral centers between 1998 and 2013 were obtained by chart review. RESULTS: From 102 patients with spinal meningioma, 20 AM tumors (7 cervical, 11 thoracic, 2 thoracolumbar) were identified in 18 patients (median age, 50 years [range, 19-75] at time of resection; 11% male; median follow-up, 32 months [range, 1-179] after resection). Before resection, patients had sensory deficits (70%), pain (70%), weakness (60%), ataxia (50%), spasticity (65%), and incontinence (35%). One tumor presented asymptomatically. Simpson grade I, II, III, and IV resection were achieved in 3 (15%), 13 (65%), 2 (10%), and 2 (10%) tumors, respectively. One patient that underwent Simpson grade III resection received adjuvant radiation therapy. After Simpson grade I-III or gross total resection, no tumors recurred (0%; confidence interval, 0%-17.6%). After Simpson grade IV resection, 1 tumor recurred (50%; confidence interval, 1.3%-98.7%). With the exception of 1 patient who had bilateral paraplegia perioperatively, all other patients experienced improvement of preoperative symptoms after surgery (median time, 3.6 months [range, 1-13] after resection). CONCLUSION: Despite published cases suggesting an aggressive clinical course for spinal AMs, this series of spinal AMs reports that gross total resection without adjuvant radiation therapy resulted in symptom resolution and low recurrence.


2009 ◽  
Vol 111 (3) ◽  
pp. 431-438 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jay Jagannathan ◽  
Chun-Po Yen ◽  
Dibyendu Kumar Ray ◽  
David Schlesinger ◽  
Rod J. Oskouian ◽  
...  

Object This study evaluated the efficacy of postoperative Gamma Knife surgery (GKS) to the tumor cavity following gross-total resection of a brain metastasis. Methods A retrospective review was conducted of 700 patients who were treated for brain metastases using GKS. Forty-seven patients with pathologically confirmed metastatic disease underwent GKS to the postoperative resection cavity following gross-total resection of the tumor. Patients who underwent subtotal resection or who had visible tumor in the resection cavity on the postresection neuroimaging study (either CT or MR imaging with and without contrast administration) were excluded. Radiographic and clinical follow-up was assessed using clinic visits and MR imaging. The radiographic end point was defined as tumor growth control (no tumor growth regarding the resection cavity, and stable or decreasing tumor size for the other metastatic targets). Clinical end points were defined as functional status (assessed prospectively using the Karnofsky Performance Scale) and survival. Primary tumor pathology was consistent with lung cancer in 19 cases (40%), melanoma in 10 cases (21%), renal cell carcinoma in 7 cases (15%), breast cancer in 7 cases (15%), and gastrointestinal malignancies in 4 cases (9%). The mean duration between resection and radiosurgery was 15 days (range 2–115 days). The mean volume of the treated cavity was 10.5 cm3 (range 1.75–35.45 cm3), and the mean dose to the cavity margin was 19 Gy. In addition to the resection cavity, 34 patients (72%) underwent GKS for 116 synchronous metastases observed at the time of the initial radiosurgery. Results The mean radiographic follow-up duration was 14 months (median 10 months, range 4–37 months). Local tumor control at the site of the surgical cavity was achieved in 44 patients (94%), and tumor recurrence at the surgical site was statistically related to the volume of the surgical cavity (p = 0.04). During follow-up, 34 patients (72%) underwent additional radiosurgery for 140 new (metachronous) metastases. At the most recent follow-up evaluation, 11 patients (23%) were alive, whereas 36 patients had died (mean duration until death 12 months, median 10 months). Patients who showed good systemic control of their primary tumor tended to have longer survival durations than those who did not (p = 0.004). At the last clinical follow-up evaluation, the mean Karnofsky Performance Scale score for the overall group was 78 (median 80, range 40–100). Conclusion: Radiosurgery appears to be effective in terms of providing local tumor control at the resection cavity following resection of a brain metastasis, and in the treatment of synchronous and metachronous tumors. These data suggest that radiosurgery can be used to prevent recurrence following gross-total resection of a brain metastasis.


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