Falcotentorial meningiomas: clinical, neuroimaging, and surgical features in six patients.
OBJECTIVE
Meningiomas arising from the falcotentorial junction are rare. As a result, their clinical presentation and surgical management are not well described. During the past 3 years, the authors have treated six patients with falcotentorial meningiomas.


METHODS
Most patients presented with symptoms related to raised intracranial pressure, including headaches, papilledema, and visual and gait disturbances. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a smooth, oval, or round mass, which was typically homogeneously enhancing. Angiography was useful in evaluating arterial supply for embolization, when possible, and determining the status of venous collateral supply and sinus patency. The authors detail the surgical technique used in all six patients. Postoperatively, patients experienced transient cortical blindness, which in all cases spontaneously resolved during the course of several days to weeks. They provide a comprehensive description of the presentation and surgical management of falcotentorial meningiomas.


CONCLUSIONS
An excellent outcome can be expected when surgery is predicated on detailed preoperative neuroimaging and knowledge of the nuances of the surgical technique.
Quinones-Hinojosa
Alfredo
A
Department of Neurological Surgery, The Brain Tumor Research Center, University of California at San Francisco, California 94143-0112, USA. quinones@neurosurg.ucsf.edu
Chang
Edward F
EF
McDermott
Michael W
MW
D003952:Diagnostic Imaging / Q000379:methods; D006261:Headache / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D008577:Meningeal Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery*; D008579:Meningioma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery*; D019635:Neurosurgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D011859:Radiography