Meningiomas of the Tuberculum Sellae and Planum Sphenoidale

Abstract

A delay in the diagnosis of meningiomas of the tuberculum sellae and planum sphenoidale can lead to poor surgical results in terms of visual prognosis, morbidity, and mortality. A series of 83 consecutive patients operated on for these lesions at the Neurological Institute of New York was reviewed. In only five cases was the diagnosis made within three months of the onset of symptoms, and in 54 cases symptoms were present for one year or longer. Visual acuity improved postoperatively in 38 patients (58%), worsened in 8 (12%), and remained unchanged in 19 (29%). In 33 patients, total removal was not possible because of the extent of the tumor. It is hoped that a greater awareness of the symptoms of these lesions will lead to earlier diagnosis and earlier surgical therapy and, hence, better results.