Meningiomas in Children
摘要
Meningiomas are the most common brain tumors in adults but are very rare in children and adolescents. Pediatric meningiomas have unique characteristics: they are often large, cystic, and in atypical locations, such as inside the ventricular system. They are also aggressive and have a high recurrence rate, reflecting the histology, which is predominantly WHO grade 2 and 3, especially for clear cell and papillary variants. Genetic oncopredisposing syndrome (neurofibromatosis type 2 and, more rarely, neurofibromatosis type 1 and Gorlin syndrome) is an associated feature in up to 40% of pediatric meningiomas. The clinical presentation is highly variable, making the diagnosis late. However, despite their more aggressive features, pediatric meningiomas tend to have a better prognosis than adult meningiomas. Complete surgical resection is the treatment of choice, and the extent of initial surgical resection is the strongest independent prognostic factor.