Objects: To investigate the characteristics of childhood meningioma, especially, locations, radiological findings, pathological features (including proliferative potential) and outcome, 11 children with meningiomas were retrospectively analyzed.
Results: Unusual location, large size, frequent calcification, and cyst formation were characteristic radiological findings. Gross total resection was achieved in 8 patients, and there was recurrence in 2. Gamma knife radiosurgery was performed on residual and recurrent tumors. MIB-1 indices tended to be high in large tumors. Nine patients had a Karnofsky Performance Scale of more than 70 during the follow-up period of 10 months to 19.5 years. Surgical treatment rendered 4 of 5 epileptic patients seizure free. The childhood meningiomas examined had unusual locations, atypical radiological findings, and various proliferative potentials.
Conclusions: Complete resection is the treatment of choice. Gamma knife radiosurgery can be a good alternative for residual tumors and small recurrent tumors. The outcome of childhood meningiomas is good after surgery.