Main description:

The overall incidence of meningiomas, particularly in the developed countries, is rising due to a growing size of the aging population, with people living longer and enjoying healthier lives than ever before. Additionally, an increased utilization of imaging studies such as computer tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) for routine evaluation of closed head injuries, paranasal sinus problems and various non-specific neurological symptoms, ranging from headaches to dizziness, has contributed to enhanced detection of incidental meningiomas.

The book contains the most up-to-date information in all matters related to meningiomas, and is written by multiple contributors - internationally recognized experts in their respective fields from Asia, USA and Europe.

This is an essential reference guide to neurosurgeons and neurologists (in training and in practice), as well as medical libraries, throughout the world.

Contents:

I GENERAL INFORMATION: Historical Perspective.- Epidemiology.- Meninges: Embryology.- Pathology.- Natural history, growth rates, recurrence.- II DIAGNOSTIC CONSIDERATIONS: Diagnostic radiology I: CT, MRI, Angio.- Diagnostic radiology II: Nuclear med, MRS, PET.- Lesions mimicking meningiomas.- Interventional radiology: Angio, embolization.- Neuro-ophthalmological evaluations.- III BASIC SCIENCE: Meningioma tumorigenesis: Review of basic science.- Meningothelial meningiomas.- Meningiomas of the central neuraxis.- Future treatment modalities I: Targeting the NF-2 & Ras Pathways.- Future treatment modalities II: Gene Therapy in meningiomas.- IV MANAGEMENT: Management options and principles.- Surgery: General principles.- Surgical adjuncts I: Endoscopy in meningioma surgery.- Surgical adjuncts: Image guided/CAS.- Seizures associated with meningiomas.- V ADJUNCT TREATMENT MODALITIES: Recent advances in therapeutic radiation.- Conventional RT for meningiomas.- Gamma Knife Radiosurgery.- Linear Accelerator Radiosurgery.- Brachytheraphy.- Medical therapy.- VI SURGICAL OUTCOME IN MENINGIOMA SURGERY: The factors influencing outcome in meningioma surgery.- The influence of co-morbidity and age in meningioma surgery outcome.- The influence of the tumor location, size and preoperative neurological symptoms in meningioma surgery outcome.- VII PATIENT SELECTION FOR SURGERY: THE 'CLASS' ALGORITHM: 'CLASS' algorithmic scale for surgical decision making: Rationale and design.- Validity of the 'CLASS' algorithmic scale: A retrospective study.- Utility of the 'CLASS' algorithmic scale: A prospective study.- VIII MENINGIOMAS BY LOCATION: PRESENTATION, SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS, SURGICAL TECHNIQUE, OUTCOME: Convexity.- Parasagittal.- Falcine.- Olfactory groove/Planum spenoidale.- Tuberculum sella.- Clinoidal.- OpticSheath: Aggressive.- Optic Sheath: Conservative.- Lateral and middle sphenoid wing.- Orbitosphenoid.- Cavernous sinus: Aggressive.- Cavernous sinus: Conservative.- Temporal bone.- Petroclival: Aggressive.- Petroclival: Conservative.- Petrous.- Clival/Foramen Magnum.- Cerebellar convexity.- Tentorial.- Torcular/transverse & sigmoid sinus.- Pineal.- Ventricular.- Jugular foramen.- Paranasal sinuses.- Pediatric.- NF2/multiple.- Spinal.- IX MISCELLANEOUS: Meningioma surgery: Personal philosophy.- Functional improvement in meningioma surgery.- The rationale for surgery in young patients with small meningiomas.- Dural reconstruction.- Cranial reconstruction.