Management of intracranial meningiomas in Enugu, Nigeria

Epidemiology and Management Trends of Neuro-Oncology in Nigeria: A Systematic Review and Pooled Analysis

OBJECTIVE

Access to neuro-oncologic care in Nigeria has grown exponentially since the first reported cases in the mid-1960s. In this systematic review and pooled analysis, we characterize the growth of neurosurgical oncology in Nigeria and build a reference paper to direct efforts to expand this field.

METHODS

We performed an initial literature search of several article databases and gray literature sources. We included and subsequently screened articles published between 1962 and 2021. Several variables were extracted from each study, including the affiliated hospital, the number of patients treated, patient sex, tumor pathology, the types of imaging modalities used for diagnosis, and the interventions used for each individual. Change in these variables was assessed using Chi-squared independence tests and univariate linear regression when appropriate.

RESULTS

A total of 147 studies were identified, corresponding to 5,760 patients. Over 4000 cases were reported in the past 2 decades from 21 different Nigerian institutions. The types of tumors reported have increased over time, with increasingly more patients being evaluated via computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). There is also a prevalent use of radiotherapy, though chemotherapy remains an underreported treatment modality.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights key trends regarding the prevalence and management of neuro-oncologic pathologies within Nigeria. Further studies are needed to continue to learn and guide the future growth of this field in Nigeria.

Olfactory groove meningioma: A case report with typical clinical and radiologic features in a 74-year-old Nigerian male

Olfactory groove meningiomas (OGMs) are rare, intracranial tumors located in the anterior cranial fossa that grow along the nerves between the brain and the nose. This report highlights a case in which a 74-year-old Nigerian male presented with clinical features of anosmia and headache as well as pertinent CT and MRI findings that typically occur in female patients. The study reviews the importance of imaging as a means of achieving a timely diagnosis and accurately measuring the size and magnitude of the disease as it serves as a guide to surgeons when planning for intervention.

Incidence, Clinicopathological Profile and Location - Based Outcome of Intracranial Meningiomas: 10-Year Institutional Study with Review of Literature

Intracranial meningiomas are the most common extra-axial tumors, representing 15% of all brain tumors. Arising from the arachnoid cells, and common in middle-aged women, 90% meningiomas are benign. We conducted a 10-year study on 183 cases of intracranial meningiomas and observed a lower and decreasing trend; the mean age was 43.3 years but there was also a significant incidence in young females. Parasagittal/falx (29%), sphenoid ridge, convexity meningiomas and middle cranial fossa locations were more common. Histopathologically, meningothelial meningioma was the most common. Benign (WHO I) tumors were found in above 90%, atypical (WHO II) in 5% cases, and malignant (WHO III) in < 4% patients. Most patients underwent Simpsons Grade I excision (35.6%) with dural reconstruction because of late presentations. Posterior fossa meningiomas were mostly benign, while intraventricular ones were mostly malignant with highest postoperation mortality. Mortality in operated patients was 9.8% but was highest in anterior fossa tumors (12.5%).

Clinical Outcome and Recurrence After Meningioma Surgery: An Experience from a Developing Country, Nepal

BACKGROUND

Meningioma is the most common primary brain tumor, constituting more than half of all benign central nervous system tumors. This study aims to analyze the clinical outcome and recurrence after surgery of intracranial meningioma in Nepal.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study of newly diagnosed intracranial meningioma patients operated at Nepal Mediciti Hospital between 2007 and 2019. Demographics; clinical, radiologic, and perioperative details; histopathology; and clinical outcome variables were reviewed. Association of independent variables with primary outcome variables: modified Rankin Scale (favorable [≤ 3] vs. unfavorable [>3]) and recurrence was analyzed. Logistic regression model was designed to calculate adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval (CI).

RESULTS

Of 233 patients, mean age was 47 years, female individuals were affected twice as much as male individuals. Location was supratentorial in 83.3%, 83.7% had tumor greater than 5 cm in size. Gross total resection (SM 0-III) was achieved in 85.4%. A total of 98.7% had grade I meningioma. Favorable outcome was found in 94.8%. Recurrence rate was 6.9%. Tumor size less than 3 cm (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 0.024 95% CI 0.001-0.416, P = 0.010), gross total resection (AOR 19.737, 95% CI 4.69-83.063, P < 0.001), and comorbidity (AOR 0.202, 95% CI 0.052-0.785, P = 0.021) were significantly associated with favorable outcome whereas age (AOR 3.491, 95% CI 1.029-11.850, P = 0.045) and WHO grade (AOR 0.024, 95% CI 0.002-0.344, P = 0.006) were independently associated with recurrence. The complication and surgical mortality rates were 30% and 1.72%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Tumor size, extent of resection, age, tumor grade, and medical comorbidities were significantly associated with postoperative outcome. We recommend a prospective study with standardized follow up protocol to assess the long-term outcome.

WHO classification of meningiomas-A single institutional experience

INTRODUCTION

Meningiomas are among the most common intracranial neoplasms worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified the neoplasm into three grades with each grade having several histological variants. Several studies done in blacks have shown differences with Caucasian populations regarding the occurrence of histological variants. Our study sought to examine the histological variants of meningioma seen in a predominantly black population using the WHO grading system.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study of all meningiomas seen in our hospital facility for over twenty years. An analysis of data from all the patients diagnosed with meningioma, who also had surgical biopsies taken, was done. The meningiomas were graded using the WHO grading system and also classified into different histological variants within each grade as described by the WHO study group.

RESULTS

The study included a total number of 163 biopsies. There were more females diagnosed with meningiomas with a female to male ratio of 1.4. Most of the tumors were grade one, however, there were more males with malignant meningiomas. Transitional meningiomas were the most commonly seen variants among the grade one tumors while atypical and anaplastic were most common in grades two and three, respectively.

CONCLUSION

A larger population-based study is needed to provide epidemiological data on the occurrence of meningiomas in blacks.

The biological and diagnostic roles of MicroRNAs in meningiomas

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) refer to a class of small endogenous non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. Emerging studies have shown that miRNAs play critical roles in tumorigenesis and cancer progression. However, roles and mechanisms of miRNA dysregulation in the pathogenesis of meningioma are not fully understood. Here, we first reviewed existing research of aberrantly expressed miRNAs identified by high throughput microarray profiling in meningioma. We also explored the potential of miRNA as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for novel treatment paradigms of meningiomas. In addition, we summarized recent researches that focused on the possible mechanisms involved in miRNA-mediate meningioma occurrence and progression. This review provides an overview of miRNA deregulation in meningioma and indicates the potential of miRNAs to be used as biomarkers or novel therapeutic targets.

Histologically Confirmed Intracranial Tumors Managed at Enugu, Nigeria

Background:

There is controversy about the global distribution of intracranial tumors (ICTs). The previous reports from Africa suggested low frequency and different pattern of distribution of brain tumors from what obtains in other continents. The limitations at that time, including paucity of diagnostic facilities and personnel, have improved.

Objective:

The objective of this study is to analyze the current trend and distribution of histology confirmed brain tumors managed in Enugu, in a decade.

Methods:

A retrospective analysis of ICTs managed between 2006 and 2015 at Memfys Hospital, Enugu. Only cases with conclusive histology report were analyzed. The World Health Organization ICT classification was used.

Results:

This study reviewed 252 patients out of 612 neuroimaging diagnosed brain tumors. Mean age was 42.8 years and male-to-female ratio was 1.2:1.0. Annual frequency increased from 11 in 2006 to 55 in 2015. Metastatic brain tumors accounted for 5.6%, and infratentorial tumors represented 16.3%. Frequency of the common primary tumors were meningioma (32.9%), glioma (23.8%), pituitary adenomas (13.5%), and craniopharyngioma (7.5%) (P = 0.001). Vestibular schwannoma accounted for 1.2%. Meningioma did not have gender difference (P = 0.714). Medulloblastoma, glioma, and craniopharyngioma were the most common pediatric tumors. About 8.7% presented unconscious (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference between radiology and histology diagnosis (P = 0.932).

Conclusion:

Meningioma is the most frequent tumor with increasing male incidence, but the frequency of glioma is increasing. Metastasis, acoustic schwannoma, lymphoma, and germ cell tumors seem to be uncommon. Late presentation is the rule.

Review of Treatment Options for Smaller Benign Cranial Meningiomas: Observation, Stereotactic Radiosurgery, and Rarely, Open Surgery

Background:

MR/CT documented smaller cranial meningiomas in asymptomatic patients are often followed for years without requiring any intervention. Only a subset of patients who become symptomatic attributed to significant tumor growth, edema and/or mass effect may require stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), and rarely, open surgery. Clearly, the decision for choosing any treatment modality must be made on a case by case basis and include an analysis of risks vs. benefits to the individual patient.

Methods:

Patients with smaller benign asymptomatic meningiomas are followed with sequential MR studies that typically document lack of tumor progression, edema, or mass effect. Those who become symptomatic with the typical triad (i.e. headaches, seizures, or visual loss) and other focal neurological deficits may warrant SRS, and only occasionally, open surgery. Surgery may indeed be warranted in the presence of certain mitigating factors, (e.g. young age, lesions located adjacent to by not yet invading critical structures etc.).

Results:

This review focused largely on smaller benign asymptomatic meningiomas. The non-operative/ conservative management vs. use of SRS vs. open surgery in select cases are discussed, along with a review of the morbidity/mortality of the respective interventions.

Conclusion:

There are multiple treatment options for patients with smaller asymptomatic cranial meningiomas. SRS may be warranted for those who exhibit tumor growth, increasing edema, and/or mass effect. Only rarely is open operative intervention necessary; this must include consideration of other factors that may warrant early surgery. Notably, the 5-year survival rates for SRS ranged from 95.2% - 97%, while the 10-year survival rates varied from 88.6% - 94%.

"Neuro-oncology research in Nigeria: a great untapped potential"

BACKGROUND

Nigeria has the largest population in Africa and has sub-optimal access to neuro-oncology care. It has been estimated that there is approximately 1 neurosurgeon to 2.4 million people in the country, with only few of these trained in the neuro-oncology sub-specialty and no dedicated medical or radiation neurooncologists. There is a paucity of information on the field of neuro-oncology in Nigeria. This manuscript aims to provide an overview of the current state of neuro-oncology literature in Nigeria.

METHODS

A systematic literature review was performed, utilizing Google Scholar, PubMed, and African Journals Online, to search for articles related to neuro-oncology in Nigeria, from 1963-2018. Articles were reviewed and categorized.

RESULTS

Sixty-three relevant articles were identified. They comprised original research in basic science (N= 1), clinical science (N = 59), and reviews (n=3). Retrospective case series were the most common type of publication. Categorizing according to histology, articles focused on meningioma (N=12), pituitary tumors (N=10), glioma (N=7), CNS metastases (N=6), multiple histologic types (N=25) and other types of tumors (N=3). Eight pediatric neuro-oncology publications were amongst these. Two manuscripts, focusing on surgical subjects, specifically addressed issues on neuro-oncology clinical practice in Nigeria. Of the total manuscripts, 26 were published in Nigerian based journals, and 37 in journals outside Nigeria. The majority of the journals were low impact factor journals. An increasing number of publications over time was noted.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a small but growing scholarly literature in neuro-oncology from Nigeria. However, there continues to be room for growth in neuro-oncology research output. With Nigeria's large patient population, there is potential to learn and add to the academic literature. While there are logistical obstacles to both patient care and research in neuro-oncology in Nigeria, there is promise for favorable advancement.

Microsurgical treatment for central gyrus region meningioma with epilepsy as primary symptom

Background

The objective of this article was to investigate the operation outcome, complications, and the patient’s quality of life after surgical therapy for central gyrus region meningioma with epilepsy as the primary symptom.

Methods

All patients get at least 6 months of follow-up (range, 6–34 mo) after surgery. They underwent preoperative magnetic resonance imaging and video electroencephalography, and their clinical manifestations, imaging characteristics, microsurgical methods, and prognosis were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

The meningioma was located in the front and back of the central sulcus vein in 3 and 2 patients, respectively; in the compressed precentral gyrus and central sulcus vein in 3 patients; and in the precentral gyrus and postcentral gyrus each in 1 patient; beside the right sagittal sinus and invaded a thick draining vein on the brain surface in 1 patient and beside the right sagittal sinus and close to the precentral gyrus in 2 patients; invaded the superior sagittal sinus in 8 patients; crossed the cerebral falx and compressed cortex gyrus veins in 1 patient; invaded duramater and irritated skull hyperplasia in 3 patients; invaded duramater and its midline infiltrated into the superior sagittal sinus, was located behind the precentral gyrus, and enveloped the central sulcus vein. They were resected and classified by Simpson standards: 17 of the 26 patients had grade I, 6 patients had in grade II, and 3 patients had in grade III.

Conclusions

Resection of central gyrus region meningioma by microsurgical technique avoids injury to the cerebral cortex, central sulcus vein, and other draining veins. Microsurgery improves the total resection rate, reduces recurrence rate, and lowers disability or death rate.

Care related and transit neuronal injuries after cervical spine trauma: state of care and practice in Nigeria

Suboptimal care during extraction and transfer after spinal trauma predisposes patients to additional spinal cord injury. This study examines the factors that contribute to care related and transit injuries and suggests steps to improve standard of care in spinal trauma patients in Nigeria. It is a questionnaire-based prospective study of patients admitted with cervical cord injury to two neurosurgical centers in Enugu, Nigeria, between March 2008 and October 2010. Demography, mechanism of injury, mode of extraction from the scene and transportation to first visited hospital, precautions taken during transportation, and treatment received before arriving at the neurosurgical unit were analyzed. There were 53 (77.9%) males, the mean age was 33.9 years, and 23.5% had concomitant head injury. Average delay was 3.5 h between trauma and presentation to initial care and 10.4 days before presentation to definitive care. Only 26.5% presented primarily to tertiary centers with trauma services. About 94.1% were extracted by passersby. None of the patients received cervical spine protection either during extrication or in the course of transportation to initial care, and 35.3% were sitting in a motor vehicle or supported on a motorbike during transport. Of the 43 patients transported lying down, 41.9% were in the back seat of a sedan, and only 11.8% were transported in an ambulance. Neurological dysfunction was first noticed after removal from the scene by 41.2% of patients, while 7.4% noticed it on the way to or during initial care. During subsequent transfer to definitive centers, only 36% had cervical support, although 78% were transported in ambulances. Ignorance of pre-hospital management of cervically injured patients exists in the general population and even among medical personnel and results in preventable injuries. There is need for urgent training, provision of paramedical services, and public enlightenment.