Falcine Sinus and Parafalcine Collateral Veins in Meningiomas Invading the Superior Sagittal Sinus

Evaluation of Parenchymal Collaterals in Patients with Meningioma Using Contrast-enhanced T1 MPRAGE Sequence

BACKGROUND

Post-contrast T1-MPRAGE sequence has been used in routine tumor imaging at many centers for decades. Meningiomas may be accompanied by leptomeningeal as well as parenchymal collaterals. In this study, we aimed to demonstrate the collaterals that may accompany meningiomas on postcontrast T1-MPRAGE imaging and to investigate their relationship with location, size, histologic features, adjacent bone, and parenchymal changes.

METHODS

In this study, postcontrast T1-MPRAGE images of 326 meningiomas from 259 patients were independently analyzed by two observers. The presence of parenchymal collaterals and unilateral, contralateral or bilateral localization were determined. Meningiomas' diameters, locations, presence of dural sinus invasion, associated parenchymal changes and bony changes were determined. Histologic grades were determined if applicable. The data obtained were analyzed statistically.

RESULTS

Parenchymal collaterals were demonstrated in 25% of meningiomas (66/259). Of these, 65% were unilateral, 12% contralateral and 23% bilateral. There was a significant correlation between malignancy and the presence of collaterals in histologically diagnosed meningiomas (77%, p = 0.01). The presence of collaterals was also significantly higher in meningiomas with sinus invasion and bone destruction (p < 0.001). As tumor size increased, unilateral and bilateral collateral development increased (p < 0.001, p = 0.008, respectively), but it was not significant in contralateral cases. There was significant concordance between the observers in terms of the presence of collaterals (kappa: 0.773).

CONCLUSIONS

Meningiomas may be accompanied by parenchymal collaterals. WHO grade 3 histologic type, sinus invasion, bone destruction and size increase are predictors of collateral development.

Complications after resection of parasagittal and superior sagittal sinus meningiomas

Parasagittal meningiomas (PSM) represent one of the most frequently encountered intracranial meningiomas and pose unique challenges given their intimate relationship with parasagittal bridging veins and superior sagittal sinus (SSS). Compromise of venous drainage during resection might be a source of significant postoperative complications including catastrophic intraparenchymal hemorrhage. Objective of this study was to identify postoperative complications and associated factors predisposing to their development. A retrospective review of histologically confirmed parasagittal meningiomas (Sindou grade 1-6) resected between 2011 and 2020 was performed. A total of 62 patients (35 females (56.45%); mean age 55.72) years were included. The mean follow-up was 40.84 months. Forty-two patients (67.74%) were treatment naïve. Complete SSS occlusion was noted in 23 (37.1%). WHO grade 1 tumor was diagnosed in 32 (51.61%), WHO 2 in 23 (37.1%) and WHO 3 in 7 cases (11.29%). The SSS was resected in 24 (38.71%) patients. Intraparenchymal hemorrhage (ICH) was noted after 8 (12.90%) surgeries. Prior surgery (p = 0.006, OR = 22.1; 95% CI = 2.48-196.5) and higher tumor grade (OR = 4.64, 95% CI = 1.45-14.79, p = 0.01) were independently associated with greater risk of ICH. Resection of the SSS was not associated with postoperative ICH (p = 0.1388). A procedure-related mortality was noted in 2 patients (3.2%). Long term postoperative headaches were reported in 14 (22.58%) patients, associated with the resection of the SSS (p = 0.0003). Four (6.56%) patients had a CSF diversion procedure noted at the last follow up, correlated with ICH (p = 0.0124). History of prior surgery and higher WHO grade seem to be correlated with a significantly elevated risk of hemorrhage. Increased intracranial pressure, requiring CSF diversion is relatively infrequent occurring only in 6% patients, however awareness is important as prevention of its sequela is straightforward, preventing debilitating morbidity.

Comment on "Route patterns of the collateral venous pathway in patients with tumors invading the superior sagittal sinus: an angiographic study and clinical applications"

This commentary critiques the study "Route patterns of the collateral venous pathway in patients with tumors invading the superior sagittal sinus" by Pawit Jirawisan et al., highlighting its limitations in discussing parafalcine venous collaterals, reliance on invasive imaging modalities, and lack of structured assessments. It suggests improvements by incorporating alternative imaging techniques, acknowledging crucial venous structures, and providing grading systems for surgical decision-making.

Route patterns of the collateral venous pathway in patients with tumors invading the superior sagittal sinus: an angiographic study and clinical applications

Chronic occlusion of the superior sagittal sinus (SSS) by tumors in the midsagittal region causes the collateral venous pathway (CVP). Understanding common patterns of CVP is helpful in reducing surgical complications. This study aimed to investigate the CVP found in patients with SSS-invading tumors, and to provide information on the prevention of operative venous complications. From January 2015 to December 2022, this retrospective study collected patients with tumors that invaded the SSS and underwent digital subtraction angiography of intracranial vessels. Data collected included sex, age, tumor pathology, tumor location along the SSS, tumor side, degree of obstruction of the SSS, types and route patterns of the CVP, and the distance between the tumor and the diploic vein (DV). Twenty patients (6 males, 14 females) were recruited. The prevalence of CVP types was 90% for DV, 35% for end-to-end anastomosis of superficial cortical vein, 15% for meningeal vein, and 20% for other types of CVP. The pteriofrontoparietal and occipitoparietal diploic routes were found on the cerebral hemisphere contralateral to the tumor significantly more than in the cerebral hemisphere ipsilateral to the tumor. Of all patients with presence of collateral DV, 61% had a very close (less than 1 cm) distance between the nearest DV and tumor attachment in the SSS. DV in the cerebral hemisphere contralateral to the tumor was the most common type of CVP found in patients with tumor-induced SSS obstruction. Most of the collateral DV was located very close to the SSS tumor attachment. Neurosurgeons should realize these findings when planning a craniotomy.

Challenging Resection of Bilateral Parasagittal and Falcine Meningioma Involving Both Anterior Third and Middle Third of the Superior Sagittal Sinus: A Case Report and Literature Review

Meningiomas typically manifest as benign, slow-growing, and well-defined tumors on a macroscopic level and are usually asymptomatic. However, the mass effect caused by large meningiomas may lead to various neurological symptoms, commonly headaches and visual problems. Radiological imaging can establish the diagnosis, and a biopsy can provide a definitive diagnosis. Our case report describes the surgical intervention for bilateral parasagittal-falcine meningioma in a 57-year-old male who presented to the emergency department with a tonic-clonic seizure. On examination, he had a bifrontal longitudinal mass. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a large anterior superior falcine extra-axial mass, measuring about 5.7 x 5.3 x 3.1 cm, with surrounding vasogenic edema and superior sagittal sinus invasion. He underwent surgery for tumor resection involving the anterior third and middle third of the superior sagittal sinus without radiotherapy. He did not develop any intraoperative complications, and during the post-operative evaluation, he was symptom-free. A follow-up MRI with contrast performed three months later showed no neurological complications or recurrent tumor. To achieve better outcomes, surgical intervention for parasagittal and falcine meningiomas involving the superior sagittal sinus should aim to eliminate clinical signs, control tumor growth, and prevent neurological deterioration post-operatively.

Technique notes on the management of superior sagittal or transverse sinus during the falcotentorial meningioma surgery: a case report

Background

Falcotentorial meningiomas (FM) are surgical challenges for protecting sinus, and the technique notes on the management of superior sagittal or transverse sinus are required for good results.

Methods

We improved the technique notes on the management of superior sagittal or transverse sinus in three FM patients with signs of increased intracranial pressure or chronic headache.

Results

All patients underwent surgeries in the prone position, and occipital/sup-occipital/sub-occipital craniotomy was performed. In one patient, the skull was removed traditionally with exposure of the confluence of sinuses, superior sagittal, and transverse sinus, while the longitudinal skull bridge was left to suspend the dura for protecting the superior sagittal sinus in one patient, and the transverse skull bridge was left to suspend the dura for protecting the transverse sinus in one patient. The dura was opened infratentorially or supratentorially to spare the sinus and then the "skull bridge" was suspended. The tumor was then removed completely without brain swelling or significant venous bleeding. Complete tumor resection was confirmed by early postoperative imaging, and all patients recovered well without postoperative morbidity.

Conclusion

The authors recommend the "skull bridge" to suspend the dura for optimal control of the venous sinuses during FM surgery (less venous bleeding).

Factors associated with venous collaterals in patients with cerebral venous thrombosis

OBJECTIVES

To identify the factors associated with venous collaterals in Thai patients with cerebral venous thrombosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective 20-year cohort study enrolled patients diagnosed with cerebral venous thrombosis between January 2002 and December 2022. Data was collected from the electronic medical record, and venous collaterals were independently reviewed by two neuroradiologists using the Qureshi classification. Patients with and without venous collaterals were compared. Significant factors (P<0.05) in the univariate analysis were recruited into the multivariate logistic regression analysis to determine independently associated factors.

RESULTS

Among 79 patients with cerebral venous thrombosis, the prevalence of venous collaterals at the initial neuroimaging was 25.3%. In the univariate analysis, patients with cerebral venous thrombosis and venous collaterals were significantly younger (37.0±13.9 years vs. 44.9±17.4 years, P = 0.048), more often had occlusion in the superior sagittal sinus (80.0% vs. 54.2%, P = 0.041), and were associated with hormonal exposure (35.0% vs. 6.8%, P = 0.002). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed occlusion in the superior sagittal sinus (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 3.581; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.941-13.626; P = 0.044) and hormonal exposure (aOR 7.276, 95% CI 1.606-32.966, P = 0.010) as independent factors associated with venous collaterals in cerebral venous thrombosis.

CONCLUSIONS

In this cohort, the prevalence of venous collaterals was 25.3%. Occlusion in the superior sagittal sinus and hormonal exposure were independently associated with venous collaterals in patients with cerebral venous thrombosis.

Spontaneous resolution of intracranial hypertension following radiotherapy for posterior parasagittal meningioma: About two cases and review of the literature

We report the cases of two patients who underwent normofractionated radiotherapy for evolutive asymptomatic parasagittal meningiomas. After completion of radiotherapy, both patients presented severe headache and vomiting episodes without papillar edema. We then decided a "wait-and-scan" strategy because of the slit-ventricles, and symptoms regressed spontaneously. MRI showed significant tumor regression a year after radiotherapy with a newly developed collateral venous drainage system in the first patient and a left, unusually large, superior anastomotic vein in the second. These clinical presentation and radiological evolution are compatible with venous stenosis caused by radiation-induced symptomatic edema, fading after the development of a collateral venous drainage system. The relation between pressure-related headaches and venous anatomy remains unclear in parasagittal meningiomas. These observations underline the importance of the study of venous anatomy when pressure-related headaches are suspected. Further clinical descriptions might help the clinicians to treat these patients' symptoms.

Risk factors influencing cerebral venous infarction after meningioma resection

BACKGROUND

Cerebral venous infarction (CVI) is a serious complication after meningioma resection. The risk factors of postoperative cerebral venous infarction after surgical resection of meningioma can be determined through large samples and this study can add evidence to the literature.

METHODS

The clinical and imaging data of 1127 patients with intracranial meningiomas who underwent resection in our hospital were retrospectively collected and analyzed. CVI was evaluated by postoperative imaging and clinical manifestations. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify risk factors associated with CVI.

RESULTS

Overall, 4.7% (53/1127) of patients experienced CVI after meningioma resection. Multivariate analysis revealed superficial meningioma, moderate to severe peritumoral edema, peritumoral critical vein and WHO grade II-III as independent predictors of a postoperative CVI. After timely intervention, the symptoms were clearly alleviated in one month, and the prognosis was good, but injury to key veins could cause irreversible neurological disorders.

CONCLUSIONS

Intraoperative protection of veins is the primary way to prevent CVI. The present study identified several significant and independent risk factors for postoperative venous infarction, thereby enabling the identification of high-risk patients who require special attention during clinical and surgical management.

Direct intracranial invasion of eccrine spiradenocarcinoma of the scalp: a case report and literature review

Background

Eccrine spiradenocarcinoma (SC), also known as malignant eccrine spiradenoma, is a rare malignant cutaneous adnexal neoplasm arising from long-standing benign eccrine spiradenoma. Malignant skin tumors rarely show direct intracranial invasion. However, once the intracranial structure is infiltrated, curative excision with sufficient margins can become extremely difficult, particularly when the venous sinuses are involved. No effective adjuvant therapies have yet been established. Here, we report an extremely rare case of scalp eccrine SC with direct intracranial invasion, which does not appear to have been reported previously.

Case presentation

An 81-year-old woman presented with a large swelling on the parietal scalp 12 years after resection of spiradenoma from the same site. The tumor showed intracranial invasion with involvement of the superior sagittal sinus and repeated recurrences after four surgeries with preservation of the sinus. The histopathological diagnosis was eccrine SC. Adjuvant high-precision external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) proved effective after the third surgery, achieving remission of the residual tumor. The patient died 7 years after the first surgery for SC.

Conclusions

Scalp SC with direct intracranial invasion is extremely rare. Radical resection with tumor-free margins is the mainstay of treatment, but the involvement of venous sinuses makes this unfeasible. High-precision EBRT in combination with maximal resection preserving the venous sinuses could be a treatment option for local tumor control.

Classification of Peritumoral Veins in Convexity and Parasagittal Meningiomas and Its Significance in Preventing Cerebral Venous Infarction

OBJECTIVE

The medium (2-4 cm) convexity located closer to the sinus and parasagittal meningiomas (Sindou type I-Ⅲ) without obvious invasion of the superior sagittal sinus are considered simple to operate on. However, the tumors are often accompanied by the cortical bridging vein. Because of lack of collateral vein circulation in cortical areas, the damage of peritumoral veins will subsequently lead to venous infarction. To avoid the serious complications caused by intraoperative injury of peritumoral veins, it is necessary to define the classification of the progression of peritumoral veins and tumors to guide surgical safety.

METHODS

The clinical information of 57 patients with convexity and parasagittal meningiomas was collected and retrospectively analyzed. All patients underwent preoperative magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance venography scanning to observe the imaging characteristics of peritumoral veins and preoperative evaluation. The actual relationship between the tumor and peritumoral vein was observed intraoperatively. Postoperative computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging were used to determine tumor resection and the presence of venous infarction.

RESULTS

According to preoperative magnetic resonance venography and intraoperative findings, we divided the peritumoral veins into 3 types: type A (n = 33, 57.9%), the vein surrounds the tumor; type B (n = 15, 26.3%), the vein is located on the ventral side of the tumor; and type C (n = 9, 15.8%), the vein is located on the dorsal side of the tumor. Peritumoral vein injury occurred in 6 cases followed by serious complications. Treatments were as follows: 4 cases underwent decompression and 2 cases were treated conservatively. The prognosis Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) scores were as follows: 3 cases were score 5 for injury of posterior frontal vein or middle frontal vein, 2 cases were score 3 for injury of the central vein, 1 case was score 1 for death due to injury of the central vein. All cases were followed up for 6 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Attention should be paid to the peritumoral vein of special meningiomas. Injured vein in the medial third of superior sagittal sinus carries a high rate of postoperative morbidity. Understanding the type of peritumoral veins preoperatively can be used as a guide in determining the corresponding protective strategy during surgery, which can significantly decrease postoperative disability and improve quality of life.

Parasagittal meningiomas

Parasagittal meningiomas are defined as meningiomas that grow into at least one wall of the superior sagittal sinus. Long- and short-term morbidity is, in addition to cortical function, related to management of venous structures and flow. Clinical management needs to address the extent of removal in the sinus wall and to address relations to the adjacent cortex, which is highly eloquent in the Rolandic and calcarine areas.