LATERAL VENTRICLE MENINGIOMA

Lateral Ventricle Meningioma

Lateral ventricle Meningiomas are rare tumors located in the cerebral-spinal fluid (CSF) brain chambers, called brain ventricles. They are generally located deep in the brain, in the lateral ventricle between the occipital, the temporal, and parietal lobes of the brain. These tumors can grow to a formidable size. Brain swelling or edema is often present around the tumor site. Obstruction of the CFS flow in the ventricular system can cause enlargement of the ventricles (hydrocephalus)

Symptoms

Patients with Meningioma of the lateral ventricle can present with headaches, increased intracranial pressure, cognitive dysfunction, loss of peripheral vision, and motor weakness. Tumors in the dominant side of the brain can cause speech dysfunction. Patients with hydrocephalus may need emergency intervention to alleviate intracranial pressure before tumor resection.

Treatment

Symptomatic lateral ventricle Meningiomas with increased intracranial pressure, in general, need surgical intervention. Small incidental tumors can be treated with observation and surveillance MRIs. Radiation is generally avoided in these tumors because of the tumor size and its deep location close to eloquent areas of the brain.

Surgical Treatment at the Meningioma Center

Lateral ventricle Meningioma is approached through a focused superior parietal craniotomy. The deep tumor is accessed and removed using a small (16 mm) tubular brain port which is passed from the surface of the brain to the deep site of the tumor. The tumor is removed in a piecemeal fashion through the port after breaking the tumor with an ultrasonic device which decreases the tumor pressure and facilitates its dissection from the surrounding brain tissue. Tumor removal is carried out using magnification with the surgical microscope. This approach allows accessing deep tumors in the brain with minimal retraction manipulation or the brain parenchyma. Furthermore, this focused approach enhances the potential for maximal resection of the tumor with function preservation.

Prognosis

Treatment of lateral ventricle Meningiomas through a focused Trans brain portal approach improves chances of maximal tumor removal with function preservation or recovery of function, including, pre-operative visual difficulties, cognitive dysfunction, and motor weakness. Adequate Treatment of lateral ventricle Meningiomas enhances the potential for patients to return to their lifestyle and job occupation. Maximal removal of the tumor and its root in the choroidal plexus maximizes the chances of patients progressing without tumor recurrence.