J Neurol Surg B Skull Base 2016; 77 - LFP-11-02
DOI: 10.1055/s-0036-1592610

The Natural History of Petroclival Meningioma: A Volumetric Study

Matthew L. Carlson 1, Jacob B. Hunter 2, Robert J. Yawn 2, Ray Wang 3, Brendan P. O'Connell 2, Akshitkumar Mistry 3, Reid C. Thompson 3, Kyle D. Weaver 3, George B. Wanna 2
  • 1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Mayo Clinic School of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota, United States
  • 2Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
  • 3Department of Neurological Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States

Objective: To describe the natural history of petroclival meningioma growth utilizing volumetric analysis.

Methods: Patients with radiographic evidence of petroclival meningioma on MRI between September 1999 and June 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Image analysis software (FIJI) was utilized to perform volumetric analyses of tumor size and growth.

Results: A total of 75 patients were identified; 39 (69.6%) patients had at least two MRI studies prior to treatment and were examined. Among these 39 subjects, the mean age was 56.1 years, and 69.2% were women. At an average follow-up of 32.8 months, 3 tumors shrank in size, 4 tumors grew 1 to 10% in volume; 3 tumors grew between 11 and 20%, 4 tumors grow between 21 and 30%, and the remainder grew more than 30% in volume. The mean annual growth rate was 1.75 cm3/year (range: −0.3 to 15.5 cm3/year, SD 3.2 cm3/year). Age and tumor size exhibited a statistically significant positive association with rate of tumor growth. Ultimately, 9 (22.5%) underwent treatment.

Conclusion: Petroclival meningiomas exhibit a range of growth patterns. Our data demonstrate a mean growth rate 1.75 cm3/year prior to surgical resection. There is a significant positive correlation between tumor size, age, and growth.