scholarly journals Spinal Cord Ependymoma – Surgical Management and Outcome

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (02) ◽  
pp. 316-320 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wail Mohammed ◽  
Michael Farrell ◽  
Ciaran Bolger

ABSTRACT Background: Ependymoma is a common primary neoplasm of the spinal cord and filum terminale. Patients with spinal ependymoma usually experience gradual symptoms due to slow progression of the tumor; thus, early diagnosis can be challenging to make. Objective: The objective of this study was to report 5 years’ experience in treating spinal intramedullary ependymomas and to illustrate the advantage of aggressive complete resection whenever possible. Patients and Methods: Retrospective medical notes of all patients with spinal ependymoma treated surgically over a 5-year period between January 2003 and January 2008 were recorded. Clinical presentation, spinal level, extent of resection, and complications were recorded. A prolonged follow-up was documented. Results: There were 20 patients – 11 males, and nine females –included in this study. Their median age was 48 years (range 3–75 years). In 18 patients, total gross resection was achieved. Subtotal resection was only possible in one patient due to surgical difficulty. One patient underwent biopsy and referred for further surgery and subsequently had total resection. Conclusions: Radical total resection is achievable in spinal ependymomas, with minimal resultant morbidity.

2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (6) ◽  
pp. 736-746
Author(s):  
M Neil Woodall ◽  
Joshua S Catapano ◽  
Michael T Lawton ◽  
Robert F Spetzler

Abstract BACKGROUND Cavernous malformations in structures in and around the third ventricle are a challenging conceptual and surgical problem. No consensus exists on the ideal approach to such lesions. OBJECTIVE To perform a retrospective review of our institutional database to identify and evaluate approaches used to treat cavernous malformations located in and around the third ventricle. METHODS Information was extracted regarding lesion size and location, extent of resection, time to last follow-up, surgical approach, presenting symptoms, preoperative and postoperative neurological status, and specific approach-related morbidity. RESULTS All 39 neurosurgical operations (in 36 patients) were either an anterior interhemispheric (AIH) (44%, 17/39) or a supracerebellar infratentorial (SCIT) (56%, 22/39) approach. Gross-total resection was achieved in 23 of 39 procedures (59%), a near-total resection in 1 (3%), and subtotal resection in 15 (38%). For the 31 patients with at least 3 mo of follow-up, the mean modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score was 1.5. Of the 31 patients, 25 (81%) had an mRS score of 0 to 2, 4 had a mRS score of 3 (13%), and 1 each had a mRS score of 4 (3%) or 5 (3%). CONCLUSION Most approaches to cavernous malformations in and around the third ventricle treated at our institution have been either an AIH or a SCIT approach. The AIH approach was used for lesions involving the lateral wall of the third ventricle or the midline third ventricular floor, whereas the SCIT approach was used for lesions extending from the third ventricle into the dorsolateral midbrain, with acceptable clinical results.


2011 ◽  
Vol 68 (suppl_1) ◽  
pp. ons90-ons94 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisa J Kucia ◽  
Peter H Maughan ◽  
Udaya K Kakarla ◽  
Nicholas C Bambakidis ◽  
Robert F Spetzler

Abstract BACKGROUND: Myxopapillary ependymomas usually occur in the filum terminale of the spinal cord. OBJECTIVE: This report summarizes our experience treating myxopapillary ependymomas. METHODS: The records of 34 patients (14 men, 20 women; mean age 45.5 years; age range, 14-88 years) who underwent resection of a myxopapillary ependymoma between 1983 and 2006 were reviewed for age, sex, tumor location, symptoms at diagnosis, duration of symptoms, treatment before presentation, extent of surgical resection, adjuvant therapy, length of follow-up, evidence of recurrence, and complications. Neurological examinations performed at presentation, immediately after surgery, and last follow-up were graded according to the McCormick grading scale. RESULTS: The average duration of symptoms before diagnosis was 22.2 months. The most common symptom was pain followed by weakness, bowel/bladder symptoms, and numbness. The rate of gross total resection was 80%. All patients with a subtotal resection (20%) underwent postoperative radiation therapy. Presentation and outcomes of patients who underwent subtotal resection followed by radiation therapy were compared with those who underwent gross total resection. There was no significant difference in neurological grade between the groups at presentation or final follow-up. The overall recurrence rate was 10% (3/34 patients). CONCLUSION: The goal of surgical treatment of myxopapillary ependymomas is resection to the greatest extent possible with preservation of function. In cases of subtotal resection, postoperative radiation therapy may improve outcome. If neurological function is maintained at treatment, these indolent lesions allow years of good function.


2020 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
pp. 409
Author(s):  
Diego Ochoa-Cacique ◽  
María Córdoba-Mosqueda ◽  
José Ramón Aguilar-Calderón ◽  
Martha Cristina Sánchez-Silva ◽  
Rosa María Vicuña-González ◽  
...  

Background: Choroid plexus papillomas (CPPs) are benign extra-axial tumors that originate from the choroid plexus; these tumors rarely have metastases, being at the spinal level the location with few reported cases. Case Description: We report the case of a 48-year-old man with a history of atypical fourth ventricular CPP and gross total resection (GTR) in 2008. In 2015, he presented with radicular pain, decreased strength, and paresthesia in the left leg. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a well-defined intradural ovoid lesion in the vertebral canal at the level of the L3-L4 intersomatic space. Subtotal resection of the tumor was performed. The patient recovered well, with relief of pain and no neurological deficit. A literature research few cases of CPP metastasis in adults. We describe here a fifth-decade male patient with a lumbar neoplasm, which according to the histopathologic characteristics and location is the first case of an atypical papilloma implant of the choroid plexus at this spinal level. Conclusion: GTR of primary lesions and associated implants remains the gold standard for surgical treatment of CPP. Radiotherapy, stereotactic radiosurgery, and chemotherapy are adjuvant therapies for CPP but there is no definitive protocol for the management of implants. Proper follow-up of these patients is essential since spinal drop can appear many years after the initial presentation of CPP.


2015 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 243-249 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yimo Lin ◽  
Andrew Jea ◽  
Stephanie C. Melkonian ◽  
Sandi Lam

OBJECT Grade II spinal cord ependymomas occurring in pediatric patients are exceptionally rare neoplasms. In this paper the authors use a national cancer database to determine patient demographics, treatment patterns, and associated outcomes of this cohort. METHODS The Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database was used to analyze subjects younger than 18 years with histologically confirmed diagnoses of Grade II spinal cord ependymoma from the years 1973 to 2008. Descriptive data on the demographic characteristics of this cohort and the associated treatment patterns are shown. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate overall survival at 1, 2, 5, and 10 years. RESULTS This cohort comprised 64 pediatric subjects with Grade II spinal ependymoma. The median age was 13 years, nearly half of the patients were male, and most were white (84%). The median follow-up was 9.2 years. Overall survival at 5 and 10 years was 86% and 83%, respectively. Gross-total resection was achieved in 57% of subjects, and radiation therapy was administered to 36%. Radiation therapy was administered to 78% of subjects after subtotal resection but only to 19% of patients after gross-total resection; this difference was significant (p < 0.001). In a multivariate regression model analyzing sex, age at diagnosis, year of diagnosis, radiotherapy, and extent of resection, female sex was found to be an independent predictor of decreased mortality (HR 0.15 [95% CI 0.02–0.94], p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS These data show long-term outcomes for pediatric patients with Grade II spinal ependymoma. Radiotherapy was more likely to be administered in cases of subtotal resection than in cases of gross-total resection. Female sex is associated with decreased mortality, while other demographic or treatment modalities are not.


2011 ◽  
Vol 68 (suppl_1) ◽  
pp. ons57-ons63 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisa J Kucia ◽  
Nicholas C Bambakidis ◽  
Steve W Chang ◽  
Robert F Spetzler

Abstract BACKGROUND: Intramedullary spinal ependymomas are rare tumors. OBJECTIVE: To provide a large retrospective review in the modern neuroimaging era from a tertiary center where aggressive surgical resection is favored. METHODS: Charts of intramedullary spinal ependymomas treated between 1983 and 2006 were reviewed. RESULTS: Sixty-seven cases were reviewed. The mean age was 45.6 years (range, 11-78 years) with a male-to-female ratio of 2:1. The most common location was the cervical spine, followed by the thoracic and lumbar spine. The average duration of symptoms was 33 months, with the most common symptom being pain and/or dysesthesias, followed by weakness, numbness, and urinary or sexual symptoms. Gross total resection was achieved in 55 patients and a subtotal resection was performed in 12 patients; 9 patients were treated with adjuvant radiation therapy. Mean follow-up was 32 months. The mean McCormick neurological grade at last follow-up was 2.0. The preoperative outcome correlated significantly with postoperative outcome (P &lt; .001). A significant number of patients who initially worsened improved at their 3-month follow-up examination. Outcomes were significantly worse in patients undergoing subtotal resection with or without radiation therapy (P &lt; .05). There were 3 recurrences. The overall complication rate was 34%. The primary complications were wound infections or cerebrospinal fluid leaks. CONCLUSION: Spinal cord ependymomas are difficult lesions to treat. Aggressive surgical resection is associated with a high overall complication rate. However, when gross total resection can be achieved, overall outcomes are excellent and the recurrence rate is low.


Neurosurgery ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 86 (2) ◽  
pp. 288-297 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamed A Zaazoue ◽  
Peter E Manley ◽  
Mohammed Al Mehdar ◽  
Nicole J Ullrich ◽  
Hormuzdiyar H Dasenbrock ◽  
...  

Abstract BACKGROUND Pediatric low-grade gliomas are among the most common childhood neoplasms, yet their post-treatment surveillance remains nonstandardized, relying on arbitrarily chosen imaging intervals. OBJECTIVE To optimize postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) surveillance protocols for pediatric low-grade gliomas. METHODS Patients aged 0 to 21 yr with pediatric low-grade gliomas, treated between 1990 and 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. The timing of surveillance imaging and radiologic tumor outcomes were extracted, and the effect of patient age, tumor location, histology, and extent of resection as prognostic factors was studied. An algorithm was developed to analyze the detection efficacy and cost of all possible surveillance protocols. RESULTS A total of 517 patients were included with a median follow-up of 7.7 yr (range: 2-25.1 yr) who underwent 8061 MRI scans (mean 15.6 scans per patient). Tumor recurrence was detected radiologically in 292 patients (56.5%), of whom, 143 underwent reoperation. The hazards ratio (HR) of recurrence was higher in patients who underwent biopsy (HR = 3.60; 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.45-5.30; P &lt; .001), subtotal resection (HR = 2.97; 95% CI: 2.18-4.03; P &lt; .001), and near-total resection (HR = 2.03; 95% CI: 1.16-3.54; P = .01), compared to patients with gross total resection (GTR). For all patients, an 8-image surveillance protocol at 0, 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, 60, and 72 mo (total cost: $13 672 per patient) yielded comparative detection rates to the current 15-image protocol ($25 635). For patients who underwent GTR, a 6-image protocol at 0, 3, 9, 24, 36, and 60 mo ($10 254) is sufficient. CONCLUSION Our data suggest that postoperative surveillance of pediatric low-grade gliomas can be effectively performed using less frequent imaging compared to current practice, thereby improving adherence to follow-up, and quality-of-life, while reducing costs.


2017 ◽  
Vol 126 (2) ◽  
pp. 418-430 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sivashanmugam Dhandapani ◽  
Harminder Singh ◽  
Hazem M. Negm ◽  
Salomon Cohen ◽  
Mark M. Souweidane ◽  
...  

OBJECTIVE Craniopharyngiomas can be difficult to remove completely based on their intimate relationship with surrounding visual and endocrine structures. Reoperations are not uncommon but have been associated with higher rates of complications and lower extents of resection. So radiation is often offered as an alternative to reoperation. The endonasal endoscopic transsphenoidal approach has been used in recent years for craniopharyngiomas previously removed with craniotomy. The impact of this approach on reoperations has not been widely investigated. METHODS The authors reviewed a prospectively acquired database of endonasal endoscopic resections of craniopharyngiomas over 11 years at Weill Cornell Medical College, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, performed by the senior authors. Reoperations were separated from first operations. Pre- and postoperative visual and endocrine function, tumor size, body mass index (BMI), quality of life (QOL), extent of resection (EOR), impact of prior radiation, and complications were compared between groups. EOR was divided into gross-total resection (GTR, 100%), near-total resection (NTR, > 95%), and subtotal resection (STR, < 95%). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. RESULTS Of the total 57 endonasal surgical procedures, 22 (39%) were reoperations. First-time operations and reoperations did not differ in tumor volume, radiological configuration, or patients' BMI. Hypopituitarism and diabetes insipidus (DI) were more common before reoperations (82% and 55%, respectively) compared with first operations (60% and 8.6%, respectively; p < 0.001). For the 46 patients in whom GTR was intended, rates of GTR and GTR+NTR were not significantly different between first operations (90% and 97%, respectively) and reoperations (80% and 100%, respectively). For reoperations, prior radiation and larger tumor volume had lower rates of GTR. Vision improved equally in first operations (80%) compared with reoperations (73%). New anterior pituitary deficits were more common in first operations compared with reoperations (51% vs 23%, respectively; p = 0.08), while new DI was more common in reoperations compared with first-time operations (80% vs 47%, respectively; p = 0.08). Nonendocrine complications occurred in 2 (3.6%) first-time operations and no reoperations. Tumor regrowth occurred in 6 patients (11%) over a median follow-up of 46 months and was not different between first versus reoperations, but was associated with STR (33%) compared with GTR+NTR (4%; p = 0.02) and with not receiving radiation after STR (67% vs 22%; p = 0.08). The overall BMI increased significantly from 28.7 to 34.8 kg/m2 over 10 years. Six months after surgery, there was a significant improvement in QOL, which was similar between first-time operations and reoperations, and negatively correlated with STR. CONCLUSIONS Endonasal endoscopic transsphenoidal reoperation results in similar EOR, visual outcome, and improvement in QOL as first-time operations, with no significant increase in complications. EOR is more impacted by tumor volume and prior radiation. Reoperations should be offered to patients with recurrent craniopharyngiomas and may be preferable to radiation in patients in whom GTR or NTR can be achieved.


2011 ◽  
Vol 114 (5) ◽  
pp. 1241-1249 ◽  
Author(s):  
Soichi Oya ◽  
Burak Sade ◽  
Joung H. Lee

Object The aim of this study was to describe the surgical technique used for removal of sphenoorbital meningiomas in the authors' practice and to review the operative outcome. Methods Review of the senior author's practice between 1994 and 2009 revealed 39 patients (mean age 48 years) eligible for this study. Clinical presentation, surgical technique, postoperative outcome, and follow-up data are presented. Surgical technique is detailed, with an emphasis on aggressive removal consisting of drilling of the hypertrophied sphenoid bone, orbital wall, and anterior clinoid process, followed by tumor removal and a wide resection of the involved dura. A simple dural closure without reconstruction of the orbital roof or the lateral wall of the orbit is also described. Results Gross-total resection was achieved in 15 cases (38.5%), near-total resection with small residual in the cavernous sinus or periorbita in 20 cases (51.3%), and subtotal resection in 4 cases (10.3%). Postoperative complications included trigeminal hypesthesia in 9 patients, oculomotor palsy in 3 patients, and seizure in 2 patients. Seven patients had recurrence within the mean follow-up period of 40.7 months. Preoperative visual deficits were present in 21 patients (53.8%). Of these, 14 (66.7%) experienced visual recovery to normal levels postoperatively. Statistical analyses revealed preoperative severe visual deficit and sphenoid bone hypertrophy as an independent risk factor and an independent favorable factor, respectively, for a favorable visual outcome. Proptosis was resolved (≤ 2 mm) in 73.5% of the authors' patients. No patient had postoperative enophthalmos. Conclusions In the authors' practice, surgery for sphenoorbital meningiomas consists of resection of the orbital/sphenoid intraosseous, intraorbital, and intradural tumor components. The authors believe that aggressive removal of the orbital/sphenoid intraosseous tumor is critical for a favorable visual outcome and tumor control. Furthermore, satisfactory cosmetic results can be achieved with simple reconstruction techniques as described.


2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 96-103 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yahya Ghazwani ◽  
Ibrahim Qaddoumi ◽  
Johnnie K Bass ◽  
Shengjie Wu ◽  
Jason Chiang ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Hearing loss may occur in patients with posterior fossa low-grade glioma who undergo surgery. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 217 patients with posterior fossa low-grade glioma, including 115 for whom results of hearing tests performed after surgery and before chemotherapy or radiation therapy were available. We explored the association of UHL with age at diagnosis, sex, race, tumor location, extent of resection, posterior fossa syndrome, ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement, and histology. Results Of the 115 patients, 15 (13.0%: 11 male, 6 black, 8 white, 1 multiracial; median age 7 years [range, 1.3–17.2 years]) had profound UHL after surgery alone or before receiving ototoxic therapy. Median age at tumor diagnosis was 6.8 years (range, 0.7–14.1 years), and median age at surgery was 6.8 years (range, 0.7–14.1 years). Patients with UHL had pathology characteristic of pilocytic astrocytoma (n = 10), ganglioglioma (n = 4), or low-grade astrocytoma (n = 1). Of these 15 patients, 4 underwent biopsy, 1 underwent gross total resection, 1 underwent near-total resection, and 9 underwent subtotal resection. UHL was more frequent in black patients than in white patients (OR 7.3, P = .007) and less frequent in patients who underwent gross total resection or near-total resection than in those who underwent subtotal resection (OR 0.11, P = .02). Conclusions Children undergoing surgery for posterior fossa low-grade glioma are at risk for UHL, which may be related to race or extent of resection. These patients should receive postoperative audiologic testing, as earlier intervention may improve outcomes.


2014 ◽  
Vol 05 (03) ◽  
pp. 231-243
Author(s):  
Forhad Hossain Chowdhury ◽  
Mohammod R. Haque ◽  
Khandkar A. Kawsar ◽  
Mainul H. Sarker ◽  
Mahmudul Hasan ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Background and Objectives: Neurinoma arising from other than nonvestibular cranial nerves is less prevalent. Here we present our experiences regarding the clinical profile, investigations, microneurosurgical management, and the outcome of nonvestibular cranial nerve neurinomas. Materials and Methods: From January 2005 to December 2011, the recorded documents of operated nonvestibular intracranial neurinomas were retrospectively studied for clinical profile, investigations, microneurosurgical management, complications, follow-up, and outcomes. Results: The average follow-up was 24.5 months. Total number of cases was 30, with age ranging from 9 to 60 years. Sixteen cases were males and 14 were females. Nonvestibular cranial nerve schwannomas most commonly originated from trigeminal nerve followed by glossopharyngeal+/vagus nerve. There were three abducent nerve schwannomas that are very rare. There was no trochlear nerve schwannoma. Two glossopharyngeal+/vagus nerve schwannomas extended into the neck through jugular foramen and one extended into the upper cervical spinal canal. Involved nerve dysfunction was a common clinical feature except in trigeminal neurinomas where facial pain was a common feature. Aiming for no new neurodeficit, total resection of the tumor was done in 24 cases, and near-total resection or gross total resection or subtotal resection was done in 6 cases. Preoperative symptoms improved or disappeared in 25 cases. New persistent deficit occurred in 3 cases. Two patients died postoperatively. There was no recurrence of tumor till the last follow-up. Conclusion: Nonvestibular schwannomas are far less common, but curable benign lesions. Surgical approach to the skull base and craniovertebral junction is a often complex and lengthy procedure associated with chances of significant morbidity. But early diagnosis, proper investigations, and evaluation, along with appropriate decision making and surgical planning with microsurgical techniques are the essential factors that can result in optimum outcome.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document