Clinico-epidemiological Profile of Spinal Meningioma

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Spinal Meningioma represents a high proportion of all spinal cord tumours. It arises from arachnoid cap cells most commonly situated in the intradural extramedullary region.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the demographic profile of Spinal Meningiomas at SKIMS, to assess the clinical and radiological findings and to assess various modes of management, outcome and complications.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective and Prospective Observational study.

PARTICIPANTS: Patients diagnosed with Spinal Meningioma in the department of Neurosurgery SKIMS from August 2009 to July 2019.

METHODS:22 patients with a diagnosis of Spinal Meningioma were studied for a demographic profile, clinical findings, radiological findings, various modes of management, outcome and complications.

RESULTS: The study included 22 patients with 7 males and 15 females. The maximum numbers of cases were seen in 40-50 year age group with an average age of 44 years. The most common symptom was pain which was present in 17(77.27%) patients with a mean duration of symptoms of 20 months. The location of tumour was thoracic in 15(68%), cervicothoracic in 4(18.18%), thoracolumbar in 2(9%) and cervical in 1(4.54%) of patients. The size of tumour ranged from 1-4 cm and mean greatest diameter was 2.9 cm. All the patients underwent surgical treatment.20 (91%) patients had complete excision of tumour. 2 patients had subtotal excision of tumour. 2(9%) patients had postoperative complications with CSF leak in 1 patient and wound infection in 1 patient. Local recurrence was found in 2(9%) patients. Radiotherapy was given in 1(4.54 %) patient.

CONCLUSION: Spinal meningioma is a slow-growing tumour usually presenting in the 4th–5th decade with female to male ratio of 2:1. CT and MRI are radiological investigations of choice. Surgery is the mainstay of treatment.
IMPLICATIONS: This study was conducted to have an improvement in the management of Spinal Meningioma patients.