[Correlation between vascular endothelial growth factor and peritumoural edema in meningiomas].
OBJECTIVE
To study the relationship between the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and peritumoural brain edema (PTBE) in meningiomas.


METHODS
The expression of VEGF was investigated in 40 specimens of intracranial supratentorial meningioma resected during operation, using immunohistochemical techniques. The expression of factor VIII-related antigen (VIII-R Ag) was examined by immunohistochemistry so as to calculate the microvascular density (MVD). The formulae V = 4/3pi x abc and EI = V(edema) + V(tumor)/V(tumor) were used to determine the edema index (EI). The results of staining were compared with the data by MRI and neuroradiology in double blind fashion.


RESULTS
Compared to VEGF-negative meningiomas, tumours with striking VEGF staining revealed a significantly higher mean EI (4.6 vs. 1.5, P = 0.003), higher edema incidence (88.2% vs. 41.7%, P = 0.023 68), and higher MVD (53.0 vs. 26.5, P = 0.018). Equally, meningiomas with pial supply revealed a significantly higher mean EI than meningiomas with only dural supply (4.4 vs. 1.8, P = 0.044). Meningiomas severely adhered to brain revealed a higher edema incidence than those with milder adhesion (88.9% vs. 45.5%, P = 0.004 17). The tumour volume did not correlate with EI (P > 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
The VEGF expression and tumour angiogenesis are correlated with peritumoural brain edema. The rate of brain edema is higher in the tumors with pial supply and severe adhesion with brain. There is no a significant correlation between the tumour volume and edema degree.
Jiang
Zhongli
Z
Departmet of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Beijing 100050, China.
Zhao
Jizong
J
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001929:Brain Edema / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D008222:Lymphokines / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D008579:Meningioma / Q000098:blood supply / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D013223:Statistics as Topic; D015173:Supratentorial Neoplasms / Q000098:blood supply / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors
D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D008222:Lymphokines; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors