Introduction: The planum sphenoidale (or jugum sphenoidale) is the planar surface of the sphenoid
bone connecting the two lesser wings, and lies anterior to the sella turcica. Together
with the anterior clinoid processes, it forms the roof of the sphenoid sinus. It marks
the posterior limit of the anterior skull base, and meningiomas that arise from this
site are known as planum sphenoidale meningiomas. With the proximity of such lesions
to vital structures like the optic apparatus and pituitary gland, clinical features
have been noted to include visual impairment and hormonal deficiencies.
Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of 17 patients with planum sphenoidale
meningiomas who were admitted to our center between 2004 and 2011. Patients had formal
visual assessments (including Humphrey’s visual field testing) pre- and postoperatively.
Results: The mean age at presentation was 62.3 years; there were 11 women and 6 men. The meningiomas
ranged in diameter from 17 mm to 70 mm (mean diameter 37.2 mm). Twelve of the patients
had neurosurgical intervention (seven of these had a pterional approach, three had
a bicoronal frontal approach, and two had the tumor resected via the transglabellar
frontal approach). Histological analysis showed nine of the cases were WHO grade I
and the remaining three were grade II.
Ten of the patients demonstrated improvement in their visual acuity assessment, and
four of the patients had no demonstrable visual impairment preoperatively.
Conclusions: Prevention of visual deterioration and/or improvement of visual function remain benefits
that could be attained by resection of planum sphenoidale meningioma. Pre- and postoperative
formal ophthalmological assessments should be an integral component in the management
of these tumors.
