Clinical and Operative Differences Between Lateral Skull Base Meningiomas

Although meningiomas account for only 5-10% of lesions found in the cerebellopontine angle (CPA), other lateral skull base meningiomas are encountered near the clivus, petroclival region, and the jugular foramen. The clinical presentation of these patients can vary considerably according to which cranial nerve(s) or vascular structures are affected and whether brainstem compression or hydrocephalus is present.

A variety of lateral skull base techniques are available for the extirpation of these tumors according to the site of origin, vectors of extension, size of the tumor, and presenting signs and symptoms. Detailed preoperative imaging and surgical team planning will help tailor the optimum method for tumor resection and defect reconstruction.

The purpose of this presentation is to compare the clinical radiographic presentation of 74 patients with meningiomas found in a variety of lateral skull base locations and to discuss the operative approaches used according to the preoperative assessment.