PL02.4.A International validation study of an EORTC instrument measuring instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) in patients with brain tumours: EORTC IADL-BN32

Background

Brain tumour patients often have neurocognitive deficits which can result in problems with activities in daily living that are cognitively complex. Currently, no valid and reliable brain tumour-specific instrument to measure these instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) is available, but such an instrument is being developed. This study aimed to validate the EORTC IADL-BN32 questionnaire, comprising five multi-item and two single item scales, in a large set of international brain tumour patients.

Material and Methods

This international study was conducted in 10 countries worldwide. Primary and metastatic brain tumour patients and their proxies were requested to complete the EORTC IADL-BN32 and a subjective cognitive questionnaire (MOS COG-R) at multiple time points. Several psychometric properties were evaluated with baseline data, including the structural validity (bi-factor confirmatory factor analysis [CFA]), reliability (internal consistency), construct validity (known groups comparisons) and patient-proxy congruency (intra-class correlation coefficients [ICC], Spearman's correlation).

Results

At baseline, 326 patients ( 30% low-grade glioma, 37% high-grade glioma (HGG) and 33% brain metastases) and 311 proxies completed the EORTC IADL-BN32. The bi-factor CFA was found to have a satisfactory model fit (CFI=0.92 and TLI=0.90), and other parameters indicated a good fit (RMSEA=0.08 and SRMR=0.05), thereby validating the preliminary scale structure, but also an IADL sum score. The multi-item scales showed good (0.9>α≥0.8) to excellent (α≥0.9) internal consistency (range α=0.86-0.97). Known groups comparisons analyses regarding patient’s cognitive status (indications vs. no cognitive impairment), subjective cognitive complaints (MOS COG-R ≤30 vs. >30), basic ADL (Barthel Index <100 vs. 100) and performance status (KPS <70 vs. ≥70) showed significant differences on all IADL outcome measures in line with a priori defined hypotheses. On a group level, patient and proxy ratings had moderate to strong correlations, however, proxies tended to report more problems on all scales. The ICCs showed moderate to good congruency between patients and proxies (range ICC: 0.63-0.81).

Conclusion

The evaluated psychometric properties support the current scale structure of the EORTC IADL-BN32. Additional psychometric properties with longitudinal data are needed, such as test-retest reliability and responsiveness, to further validate the EORTC-IADL BN32 questionnaire.

OS05.4.A Do neurocognitive deficits explain the differences between brain tumour patients and their proxies assessing the patient’s I-ADL?

BACKGROUND

Neurocognitive deficits are common among brain tumour patients, and may impact on patient awareness of deficits in instrumental activities in daily life (IADL). This study aimed to examine differences between patient-reported and proxy-reported assessments of the patient’s performance of IADL, and whether the level of (dis)agreement is associated with neurocognitive deficits.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A phase III EORTC questionnaire measuring IADL in brain tumour patients (EORTC IADL-BN32) and six neurocognitive test measures were administered as part of a larger multicentre international study designed to develop a brain tumour specific IADL questionnaire. Bland-Altman plots and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to evaluated patient- and proxy-reported IADL on a group level. Subsequently, Mann-Whitney U tests were performed to compare patient-proxy difference scores (patient IADL score - their proxy IADL score) between patients who were considered clearly neurocognitively impaired (≥2 neurocognitive test measures; ≤2.0 SD below healthy controls) and patients who were not. Furthermore, multinomial logistic regression analyses were performed to examined which sociodemgraphic, clinical, and particularly neurocognitive variables were independently associated with patients and proxies differing in their evaluation of patient’s IADL.

RESULTS

Patients (N=81) and proxies (N=81), on group level, did not significantly differ on either the IADL individual item or scale scores. However, significant differences were found on patient-proxy difference scores between patients who were (N=37) and were not (N=44) considered clearly neurocognitively impaired for 10/32 individual items and one of the scales (i.e. Scale 4: Administrative tasks), all showing that the proxies of clearly neurocognitively impaired patients reported more problems relative to the patients themselves, compared to proxies of patients not clearly neurocognitively impaired. Furthermore, for each scale, a neurocognitive variable, either impaired information processing speed, cognitive flexibility, verbal fluency or the number of neurocognitive test measures impaired, was found to be independently associated with proxies reporting more problems. For 4/5 scales, a clinical variable was additionally independently associated with proxies reporting more problems. Only one variable was independently associated with patient reporting more problems, namely being in active treatment was found to be associated with patients reporting more problems on Scale 4: Administrative tasks.

CONCLUSION

Results imply a consistent trend of clearly neurocognitively impaired patients underreporting problems with IADL compared to their proxies. It would therefore be advised to administer both the patient- and proxy-version of the EORTC IADL-BN32, particularly if neurocognitive deficits are presumed.

PL03.4.A Factors associated with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) deterioration in glioma patients during the progression-free survival period

BACKGROUND

Maintenance of functioning and wellbeing during the progression-free survival (PFS) period is important for glioma patients. This study aimed to determine whether health-related quality of life (HRQoL) can be maintained during progression-free time, and factors associated with HRQoL deterioration in this period.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We included longitudinal HRQoL data from previously published clinical trials in glioma. The percentage of patients with stable HRQoL until progression was determined per scale and at the individual patient level (i.e. considering all scales simultaneously). We assessed time to a clinically relevant deterioration in HRQoL, expressed in deterioration-free survival and time-to-deterioration (the first including progression as an event). We also determined the association between sociodemographic and clinical factors and HRQoL deterioration in the progression-free period.

RESULTS

5539 patients with at least baseline HRQoL scores had a median time from randomization to progression of 7.6 months. Between 9%-29% of the patients deteriorated before disease progression on the evaluated HRQoL scales. When considering all scales simultaneously, 47% of patients deteriorated on ≥1 scale. Median deterioration-free survival period ranged between 3.8–5.4 months, and median time-to-deterioration between 8.2–11.9 months. For most scales, only poor performance status was independently associated with clinically relevant HRQoL deterioration in the progression-free period.

CONCLUSION

HRQoL was maintained in only 53% of patients in their progression-free period, and treatment was not independently associated with this deterioration in HRQoL. Routine monitoring of the patients’ functioning and well-being during the entire disease course is therefore important, so that interventions can be initiated when problems are signalled.

OS3.3 Development of an EORTC questionnaire measuring instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) in patients with brain tumours: phase I-III

BACKGROUND

In brain tumour patients, impairments in every day functioning can impact quality of life, and are therefore an important outcome in both clinical trials and practice. One way to measure every day functioning is with an activities of daily living (ADL) questionnaire. Instrumental ADL (IADL) are the cognitively more complex activities, that are essential to function autonomously within society. Cognitive decline may therefore negatively impact IADL, making these activities particularly relevant to brain tumour patients. The aim of this study is to develop a reliable and valid questionnaire to measure IADL in primary malignant and metastatic brain tumour patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The questionnaire development study followed the standard European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) four phase methodology: (I) generation of activities list, (II) construction of item list, (III) pre-testing, and (IV) field testing. This report covers phases I-III. To ensure cross-cultural validity, participants were recruited from different countries (The Netherlands, United Kingdom, Italy, Austria and Japan). In phase I, potential activities were identified based on a literature review and in-depth interviews with patients, proxies and healthcare professionals. In phase II, activities were turned into items, and translated into all required languages by the EORTC Translation Unit. In phase III, the item list was pre-tested in patient-proxy dyads. In accordance with predetermined decision rules to reduce items, final items were selected, and preliminary psychometric properties (i.e. factor structure, validity, reliability) were assessed.

RESULTS

Phase I (N=44 dyads) resulted in 59 IADL activities which were converted into 59 items in phase II. In phase III, N=85 dyads completed and reviewed this item list. The item list was subsequently reduced to 32 items. An exploratory factor analysis indicated several items measuring similar underlying constructs (e.g. domestic life and using computer/smartphone) showing acceptable to good (α≥0.7) internal consistency (range α=0.69–0.89). Seven items were less related to these underlying constructs (e.g. work or managing your own medication), and therefore single items. Construct validity, measured with known-group comparisons analyses between cognitively impaired and unimpaired patients, showed significant differences in scores between the two groups on some scales and several single items.

CONCLUSION

The currently developed EORTC IADL-BN32 questionnaire can be a valuable asset in assessing IADL functioning in brain tumour patients, but further validation in phase IV is required and is planned.

OS7.2 Measuring change in health-related quality of life: the added value of analysis on the individual patient level in glioma patients in clinical decision making

BACKGROUND

Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is often used as an outcome in glioma research, reflecting the impact of disease and treatment on a patient’s functioning and wellbeing. Data on changes in HRQoL scores may provide important information for clinical decision-making, but different analytical methods may lead to different interpretations of the impact of treatment on HRQoL. This study aimed to examine three different methods to evaluate change in HRQoL, and to study whether these methods result in different interpretations.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

HRQoL and sociodemographical/clinical data from 15 randomized clinical trials were combined. Change in HRQoL scores was analyzed in three ways: (1) at the group level, comparing mean changes in scale/item scores between treatment arms over time, (2) at the patient level per scale/item by calculating the percentage of patients that deteriorated, improved or remained stable on a scale/item per scale/item, and (3) at the individual patient level combining all scales/items.

RESULTS

Baseline and first follow-up HRQoL data were available for 3727 patients. At the group scale/item level (method 1), only the item ‘hair loss’ showed a significant and clinically relevant change (i.e. ≥10 points) over time, whereas change scores on the other scales/items showed a statistically significant change only (all p<.001, range in change score: 0.1–6.2). Analyses on the patient level per scale (method 2) indicated that, while a large proportion of patients had stable HRQoL over time (range 27–84%), many patients deteriorated (range: 6–43%) or improved (range: 8–32%) on a specific scale/item. At the individual patient level (method 3), the majority of patients (86%) showed both deterioration and improvement, while only 1% of the patients remained stable on all scales. Clustering on clinical characteristics (WHO performance status, sex, tumor type, type of resection, newly diagnosed versus recurrent tumor and age) did not identify subgroups of patients with a specific pattern of change in their HRQoL score.

CONCLUSION

Different analytical methods of changes in HRQoL result in distinct interpretations of treatment effects, all of which may be relevant for clinical decision-making. Additional information about the joint impact of treatment on all outcomes, showing that most patients experience both deterioration and improvement, may help patients and physicians to make the best treatment decision.

OS7.4 Calculating the net clinical benefit in brain tumor clinical trials by combining survival and health-related quality of life data using two methods: quality adjusted survival effect sizes (QASES) and joint modelling (JM)

BACKGROUND

The impact of treatment on both the quality and the quantity of life, i.e. the ‘net clinical benefit’, should be considered to inform glioma patients and facilitate shared decision making. We applied two methods (i.e. Quality Adjusted Effect Sizes (QASES) and Joint Modelling (JM)) that combine survival and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) data into one outcome, to gain insight in the net clinical benefit of a treatment strategy. In addition, we assessed if both methods result in similar interpretations.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We calculated the net clinical benefit in one randomized controlled trial, EORTC 26951 comparing radiotherapy (RT) + PCV chemotherapy versus RT alone, as a proof of concept for other trials. With the QASES method, effect sizes for differences in survival and HRQoL between treatment arms were calculated. Next, the combined effect size can be determined by weighing the emphasis put on survival or HRQoL (e.g. survival more important). JM allows simultaneous modeling of a longitudinal outcome (HRQoL), and a time-to event outcome (survival). HRQoL scales/items that were selected for primary analysis in the main study were also selected for this analysis: fatigue, global health, social functioning, communication deficit, seizures, physical functioning, and nausea/vomiting.

RESULTS

288/386 patients completed baseline HRQoL forms and were included in the analysis. Overall survival (OS) was significantly longer with combined treatment (difference of 10.8 months). In contrast, the percentage of patients who experienced a clinically relevant deterioration (≥10 points) in nausea/vomiting, fatigue, social functioning and global health up to one year after treatment compared to baseline was larger in the RT+PCV arm. The QASES corresponded to a reduction in the median OS difference from 10.8 months to 6.8 months when adjusted for the HRQoL scales/items, when given equal weights to OS and HRQoL. JM analyses resulted in a theoretical loss of treatment effect in OS of 2–6% when adjusting for HRQoL.

CONCLUSION

Both methods showed that adjusting for the impact of treatment on a relevant HRQoL parameter reduced the survival benefit in the experimental treatment arm compared to standard treatment arm. Applying these methods may facilitate communicating the impact of treatment to patients in clinical practice.

Impact of MGMT methylation status on 1p/19q intact anaplastic gliomas

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Background: Chromosomes 1p/19q codeletion has been recognized as a prognostic and predictive factor in patients (pts) with grade 3 gliomas. Non-codeleted (intact) anaplastic oligodendroglioma showed a survival comparable to that usually observed in pts with anaplastic astrocytomas; MGMT methylation status, moreover, has been found to be a prognostic factor in glioblastoma and anaplastic gliomas (AG). Methods: A retrospective analysis was made using a database of 253 AG pts followed prospectively between January 1998 and August 2008. We evaluated only pts who met the following inclusion criteria: age ≥ 18 years; PS 0–2; histological diagnosis of AG with 1p/19q intact, as determined by FISH analysis; treatment with postoperative radiotherapy (RT) and chemotherapy (CT); MGMT status determined using methylation specific PCR. The study aim was to evaluate the role of MGMT methylation status in 1p/19q codeleted AG pts. The log-rank test was used to evaluate the significance of the prognostic variables. Results: 67 pts (m/f: 35/32, median age: 41.3 years, range: 18–70 years) were enrolled. Histology was anaplastic oligodendroglioma in 17 pts, anaplastic oligoastrocytoma in 20 pts, and anaplastic astrocytoma in 30 pts; all these pts were 1p19q intact and received surgery, RT, and CT. MGMT status, assessable in 58 pts (86.6%), was methylated in 33 pts (56.9%), and unmethylated in 25 pts (43.1%). Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 32.3 months (95%CI: 9.9–54.7). No enhancement at time of diagnosis (p = 0.003), gross total resection (p = 0.03), age (p = 0.001), and MGMT methylation (p = 0.05) were significantly correlated with better PFS. Median survival was 65.2 months (95% CI: 45–85.3). Only age (p = 0.001) and KPS (p = 0.02) correlated with a better survival. Conclusions: MGMT methylation status may provide adjunctive prognostic information in pts with 1p/19q intact AG, indicating a prolonged PFS in pts harboring MGMT promoter methylation.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Radiologic and surgical aspects of pure spinal epidural cavernous angiomas. Report on 5 cases and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Cavernous angiomas (CAs) that are localized completely in the spinal epidural space are uncommon vascular malformations. Although they have increasingly been reported in the literature in recent years, diagnostic and surgical features are not clearly defined.

METHODS

We report five patients with pure spinal epidural cavernous angiomas (PSECAs) and review the literature, focusing on their radiologic and surgical characteristics. We also compare these tumors with other extra-axial CAs as well as with their intra-axial counterparts.

RESULTS

PSECAs, like all other extra-axial CAs, differ from intra-axial ones on MRI: the hemorrhagic variant is less frequent, hemosiderin rim is rare, the signal is different, and contrast enhancement is the rule. They are very similar to spinal meningiomas but they differ in their growth pattern and morphology, since they infiltrate intervertebral foramina and have an oval shape. In PSECA, intraoperative bleeding is rarely profuse, in contrast to other extra-axial CAs, especially those of the cavernous sinus.

CONCLUSIONS

On MRI, PSECAs and other extra-axial CAs constitute a homogeneous group since they enhance significantly. At operation, since there is rarely enough bleeding to limit removal, radical excision of PSECAs can be achieved with good results.

Brain tumors in children under 3 years of age. Recent experience (1987-1997) in 39 patients

Brain tumors in children under 3 years of age differ in clinical presentation and pathological behavior from those in older patients. In this study, we reviewed data from 39 children (24 males and 15 females) under 3 years of age who were treated for intracranial brain tumors since the introduction of magnetic resonance imaging. The purpose was to assess correlations between clinicoradiological and treatment-related factors, and their impact on prognosis. The following factors were analyzed: sex, age, duration of symptoms, intracranial hypertension on admission, tumor location, surgical removal and histology. Associations between these factors and correlations with prognosis were determined using bivariate analyses (chi(2) test) and Kaplan-Meier survival curves. Collins' concept of a period of risk recurrence was tested. Mean follow-up was 41 months (range 0-136). In March 1998, 20 children were still alive (51.2%) with a mean survival time of 65 months (range 2-136). The incidence of supratentorial tumors was significantly higher in children less than 1 year old (p = 0.027). Lateral tumors were 9/10 (90%) supratentorial versus only 7/26 (27%) midline tumors (p = 0.001). Outcome (dead or alive) was significantly better (p = 0.037) for low-grade astrocytomas (9/12 = 75% survival) when compared to ependymomas (2/6 = 33%) and primitive neuroectodermal tumors (3/12 = 25%). Total tumor removal was achieved in 20 cases and was associated with a better outcome (65 vs. 33% survival; p = 0.049). Survival analysis confirmed a worse prognosis for children with ependymomas and primitive neuroectodermal tumors (p = 0.011) and revealed a worse survival for children with intracranial hypertension on admission (p = 0.047). Total tumor removal was associated with a longer survival, although not significantly (p = 0. 077). Finally, we found no exceptions to Collins' law.

Choroid plexus papilloma of the cerebellopontine angle: a twelve patient series

BACKGROUND

Choroid plexus papillomas (CPPs), of the cerebellopontine angle (CPA), are a rare entity and no surgical series have been reported so far. We reviewed all the pertinent literature of 12 patients operated on in the last 20 years at our institution.

METHODS

All the patients were adults, ranging from 19 to 61 years. The group included 6 males and 6 females. Preoperatively, on computerized tomography (CT) (n = 10) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (n = 4), differential diagnosis was difficult to achieve, especially with meningiomas. Hydrocephalus was disclosed in 8 cases. Angiography (n = 11) showed tumor blush with typical vascular supply in almost half the cases.

RESULTS

In 6 patients a midline approach via the cerebellomedullary fissure was used; in the remaining 6 patients the retromastoid route was adopted. We found 2 "unconnected" tumors; no hilum was identified at surgery. Total tumor removal was achieved in 6 patients, predominantly in the last cases. Two patients died in the postoperative period, 3 patients had mild additional deficits, whereas 7 patients were stable or improved. All the patients were followed up for a mean period of 8.2 years. Conventional radiotherapy was carried out in 5 patients; 1 of them after tumor recurrence. Stereotactic radiotherapy was performed in 3 patients; 2 of them after recurrences. Two patients showed tumor progression and died during the follow-up. One of them presented a suprasellar metastasis and died much earlier (2 versus 7 years).

CONCLUSION

Careful assessment and surgical planning is accomplished with the combined information from CT, MRI, and angiography. Typical characteristics are the following: vascular supply from the choroidal arteries, ventral extension, adhesion to the brainstem, and lower cranial nerves. Nowadays, total removal of CPPs of the CPA can be achieved with acceptable morbidity and mortality. In our experience, conventional radiotherapy did not prove effective.

Dumbbell-shaped hypoglossal neurinoma: surgical removal via a dorsolateral transcondylar approach. A case report and review of the literature

A case of dumbbell-shaped hypoglossal neurinoma with intra- and extracranial extension is reported. The tumour was surgically completely removed in a one-stage operation via a dorsolateral sub-occipital transcondylar approach. Clinical presentation and the role of high-resolution CT-scan, MRI and angio-MRI in diagnosis and surgical planning are discussed. We include a review of the literature concerning these rare tumours of the foramen magnum region.

Intracranial myxoid chondrosarcoma with early intradural growth

Chondrosarcomas are extremely rare intracranial cartilaginous tumors of which the myxoid variant is the least reported in the literature. They develop extradurally and generally infiltrate the dura only in advanced stages or at recurrence. We describe the case of a 55-year-old woman with a posterior cranial fossa myxoid chondrosarcoma which had a primarily intradural extension.

Prognostic factors in childhood intracranial ependymomas: the role of age and tumor location

Despite several clinical reports on intracranial ependymomas in children, the factors which affect prognosis, and the possibility that certain combinations of factors might limit survival, are still a matter of debate. Between 1976 and 1996 we operated on 35 children with intracranial ependymomas. Postoperative irradiation was given to 27 patients, with associated chemotherapy in 6 cases. Mean follow-up was 62 months. In 12 patients a 5-year follow-up was possible. In October 1996, 18 patients (51.4%) were still alive, the longest disease-free follow-up being 20 years, and the shortest 8 months. We analyzed the prognostic relevance of eight factors. For each factor, different subgroups were distinguished and compared as follows: age at diagnosis (<4 vs. >/=4 years), sex, tumor location (supratentorial vs. infratentorial), tumor size (<4 vs. 4-7 vs. >7 cm), surgical removal (total vs. subtotal), histology (low-grade vs. anaplastic), morphology (solid vs. cystic), adjuvant therapies (treatment vs. no treatment). Two-way contingency tables were made to identify associations between variables. The only significant association was between age and tumor location (p = 0.022): in children under 4, tumors were almost invariably located in the posterior fossa (9 out of 10 cases) with a clear preference for the lateral recess (8 cases). Other correlations were not significant. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were compared to assess the prognostic relevance of each factor. Survival was significantly lower for children under 4, for those with posterior fossa tumors, and for patients with residual tumor (p < 0.05). A multivariate analysis compared variables which significantly affected survival, revealing that age is the most important factor affecting prognosis (p < 0.05), while tumor location and surgical removal do not add any significance to the effect of age on survival. We conclude that age has the strongest prognostic relevance in childhood intracranial ependymomas, while the effect of tumor location on survival may be related to the high incidence of lateral recess ependymomas in younger children.

Conservative treatment of a traumatic direct low-flow carotid-cavernous sinus fistula: a case report

A case of a 17-year-old boy presenting with a traumatic carotid-cavernous sinus fistula (CCSF), associated with an intracavernous pseudo-aneurysm, is reported. On angiography, the CCSF proved to be a direct and low-flow shunt. Conservative management was chosen and definitive closure of the fistula was obtained in two months by daily self-compression of the common carotid artery.

Assessment and surgical management of posterior fossa epidermoid tumors: report of 28 cases

OBJECTIVE

The management of a series of 28 patients operated on for posterior fossa epidermoids is reviewed, emphasizing the need for long-term follow-up. We discuss the rationale for a comprehensive classification system that may allow the comparison of results from homogeneous series.

METHODS

We grouped the tumors to differentiate the surgical management according to various tumor sites and the degree of extension. Twenty patients harbored tumors located in the cerebellopontine angle, five patients harbored tumors in the fourth ventricle, and three patients harbored tumors in the posterior fossa basal. In 17 patients, extensions of tumors outside the posterior fossa included the following regions: the suprasellar/ chiasmatic (n = 5), the parasellar/temporobasal (n = 5), and the mesencephalic/pineal (n = 7). Tumor extension was also defined by the number of regions involved. Pre- and postoperative magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomographic findings collected in 17 and 28 patients, respectively, were carefully evaluated.

RESULTS

Clinical features and surgical approaches varied according to location and growth pattern. Fifty-seven percent of the tumors were completely removed. A higher total removal rate was achieved in patients with tumors confined to the primary location. One patient (3%) died in the perioperative period. Approximately half of the patients presented with transient mild focal deficit impairments resulting from the manipulation of the nervous structure over a wide area. There was a higher rate of surgical complications with fourth ventricle and mesencephalic extended cerebellopontine angle tumors. The mean follow-up period was 8.6 years. Thirty percent of the patients with subtotal removal experienced symptomatic recurrences after 8.1 years, whereas all patients with total removal were still asymptomatic. The recurrence-free survival rate was 95% at 13 years for patients with total removal compared with 65% for patients with subtotal removal. Problems of identification of tumor regrowth are discussed.

CONCLUSION

By assessing posterior fossa epidermoids, we determined that location and extension play a major role in the prognosis. Our data suggest that more aggressive surgery is called for at first operation, and that a second operation should be planned when regrowth becomes symptomatic and/or tends to extend outside its original site.

Intracranial coexistence of neurinoma with epidermoid cyst or cholesterol granuloma. Report of 2 cases

The authors present 2 cases of a rare association of intracranial tumors of different cell types: neurinoma with epidermoid cyst, and neurinoma with cholesterol granuloma. The presenting symptoms resulted from neurinomas arising from the V and VIII cranial nerves, respectively. The diagnoses were achieved using Magnetic Resonance Images (MRI). The association of these rare lesions is discussed using recent literature pertaining to the coexistence of multiple brain tumors.

Endosellar meningiomas: report of 2 cases and review of the literature

Two cases of endosellar meningiomas are presented. The clinical and radiological picture is not always sufficiently specific to distinguish meningiomas from other types of sellar lesions, but pre-operative diagnosis is of fundamental importance in choosing the best surgical approach. In both cases, the transsphenoidal approach was used, and due to the dense consistency of the tumors, only biopsies were performed. One of the two patients was reoperated on using the sub-frontal approach for radical removal of the tumor. In the authors' experience, craniotomy proved to be the more favorable approach than the transsphenoidal route for radical excision of endosellar meningiomas. Literature on the classification of sellar meningiomas for radiological diagnosis and surgical strategy of endosellar meningiomas is reviewed.

Sequential measurements of cerebral blood flow in the acute phase of subarachnoid hemorrhage

Cerebral blood flow (CBF) measurements were made at predetermined intervals over the first 20 days after a subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) by the method of 133Xe inhalation clearance in 39 patients, Hunt and Hess degrees I, II or III. Mean hemispheral and regional blood flow showed a similar pattern of behavior over time: namely an initial hypoperfusion, being more marked in patients with consistent or thick blood deposition at CT scanning, followed by transient improvement and subsequent deterioration in the second week, this being especially conspicuous in patients who developed vasospasm; deterioration, at any rate, was distributed widely regardless of the initial CBF readings or magnitude of bleeding. Patients developing later neurological deficit (23% of the total) were those who showed a statistically significant increase of hemispheric asymmetries and regional hypoperfusion at the time when deterioration occurred. Accordingly, the Author calls attention to the practical value of CBF measurements in SAH patients, in view of the relationships that obtain between certain CBF patterns and the emergence of late neurologic deficits.

Microsurgical removal of petroclival meningiomas: a report of 33 patients

This is a report of 33 consecutive cases of petroclival meningioma treated surgically at our institution over the last 10 years; there were 21 women and 12 men between the ages of 27 and 68 (mean age, 52). All patients were assessed by computed tomographic scans including coronal sections and bone algorithm studies; in most cases, digital subtraction angiography and magnetic resonance imaging were also done. The largest tumor diameter was between 2 and 3.5 cm in 14 cases, 3.5 to 6 cm in 15 cases, and over 6 cm in 4 cases. Dural attachment predominantly involved the clivus and apical petrous bone on one side only; in 14 cases, however, the tumor grew over the clivus midline or crossed the tentorial notch. Cranial nerve deficit was extant in all cases and was commensurate with tumor size. Cerebellar signs and somatic motor deficits were present in 60 and 30% of cases, respectively. The surgical approaches used were the retromastoid-retrosigmoid in 23 cases, subtemporal in 5 cases, and combined retromastoid subtemporal presigmoid in the remaining 5. Total removal was achieved in 26 cases (79%); incomplete removal occurred in 7 cases (21%). The extent of tumor removal and operative morbidity were not significantly related to tumor size. Brain stem indentation, arterial and cranial nerve encasement, and epidural invasion were the main factors that prevented total tumor removal and influenced operative morbidity. There was no intraoperative mortality, but three patients (9%) died perioperatively. In the postoperative period, most patients went through momentary neurological deterioration, chiefly due to new cranial nerve deficits. The average follow-up was 4.3 years in 27 patients; of these 17 were unchanged and 10 were improved. Before surgery, only 13 patients were self-sufficient; at long-term follow-up, another 6 had achieved independence. Our experience suggests that, even though real petroclival meningiomas still represent a formidable surgical challenge, such tumors can in most cases be removed completely with low attendant mortality and acceptable morbidity.

Direct surgery for brainstem tumours

Updating a previous report, the authors offer a review of 45 patients between age 2 and 63 treated by direct surgical excision for brainstem tumours of various description. Since 1986 all candidate patients were examined by NMR imaging in addition to CT scanning, sometimes with the further addition of digital-subtraction vertebral angiography. By Epstein and McLeary's criteria, 24 of the tumours were focal, 12 were cervicomedullary and 9 were diffuse. The most frequent histological diagnosis was glioma (36 cases between low-grade astrocytoma, anaplastic astrocytoma and glioblastoma); the balance was provided by cavernoma (6 cases), haemangioblastoma (2 cases), and lipoma (2 cases). Gross total resection was achieved in 28 patients, namely all those with ependymoma or vascular tumours and 14 of 17 with low-grade astrocytoma. Resection was subtotal in 16 cases and confined to a generous biopsy in one. There was no operative mortality, but 2 deaths occurred in the early postoperative period. At discharge, neurological status was unchanged or improved in 35 cases. At 3-month follow-up examination, 12 patients were improved, 27 were unchanged and 3 were worsened. By January 1990 (6 to 72 months postoperatively) 27 of the first 40 patients treated were alive: 13 had resumed normal life, 6 were self-sufficient and 8 were disabled. The authors conclude that present-day microsurgical resection of intra-axial brainstem tumours is associated with low mortality and morbidity and affords favourable results for which they credit high-quality NMR imaging, efficient microsurgery, adequate anesthesia, and competent postoperative intensive care.

Experience in "radical" surgery of supratentorial gliomas in adults

This study reports the preliminary results obtained in a series of 107 patients with histologically proven malignant gliomas (86 glioblastomas and 21 anaplastic astrocytomas) operated upon between 1986 and 1989, with an aggressive attitude aimed to achieve extensive and possible "radical" excision of the tumor. Gross total removal was achieved in 62% of cases, while in the remaining the postoperative contrast enhanced CT scan showed more than 10-15% of residual tumor mass. There was no operative and postoperative mortality. The one-year survival rate was 60% in patients with total removal and 24% in those with partial resection. Furthermore the Karnofsky rating at discharge was improved in the former group while was unchanged in the latter. Although preliminary, these data seem to confirm the primary positive role of radical surgery in the combined management of malignant gliomas.