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Journal of Clinical Neuroscience :... Dec 2011Vestibular schwannoma (VS) is a benign tumour arising from the vestibular component of the vestibulocochlear nerve. Treatment protocols range from observation to... (Review)
Review
Vestibular schwannoma (VS) is a benign tumour arising from the vestibular component of the vestibulocochlear nerve. Treatment protocols range from observation to microsurgical resection (MS) or radiation therapy using focused delivery techniques: either stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) or stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT). Most reported outcome measures explore medically orientated results such as extent of resection or facial nerve function and do not give any insight into how the initial disease, the treatment or operative complications impinge upon the patient's quality of life (QoL). The primary aim of this review was to appraise the quality of research concerning the measurement of QoL in patients with VS. A systematic review was performed including trials of patients with newly diagnosed VS undergoing MS, SRT/SRS, or observation with a measure of QoL. Only trials of prospective design were included. Excluded trials included participants with recurrent disease or comorbidities, and studies reporting patients with VS in association with neurofibromatosis type 2. Each trial for inclusion was assessed for bias and underwent formal data extraction. Between 1973 and 2010, 47 unique trials were identified with eight trials of prospective design. All included studies were prospective non-randomised, observational convenience sampled trials. No randomised control trials or systematic reviews were identified. The most common QoL measure used was the Short Form Questionnaire (SF-36), although it has not been validated in VS. The included trials suggest that the treatment protocols of MS and SRS/SRT are of equal efficacy with regard to impact on QoL; however, the trials were hetereogenous and suffered from a variety of methodological deficiencies. Given this heterogeneity, no meta-analysis was able to be performed. The available literature on QoL in the treatment of VS suffers from significant methodological weaknesses making it difficult to make any assessment as to the efficacy on QoL of available treatment options for VS. Further well-designed, randomised prospective research is necessary to understand this condition, its effect on QoL and how QoL outcomes may be used alongside clinical indicators in making treatment decisions.
Topics: Humans; Neuroma, Acoustic; Patient Satisfaction; Quality of Life; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 22014598
DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2011.05.009 -
Acta Otorhinolaryngologica Italica :... May 2024
Meta-Analysis
Topics: Humans; Neuroma, Acoustic; Hearing Loss
PubMed: 38745520
DOI: 10.14639/0392-100X-suppl.1-44-2024-N2900 -
Neurosurgical Focus Dec 2009While many studies have been published outlining morbidity following radiosurgical treatment of vestibular schwannomas, significant interpractitioner and institutional... (Review)
Review
OBJECT
While many studies have been published outlining morbidity following radiosurgical treatment of vestibular schwannomas, significant interpractitioner and institutional variability still exists. For this reason, the authors conducted a systematic review of the literature for non-audiofacial-related morbidity after the treatment of vestibular schwannoma with radiosurgery.
METHODS
The authors performed a comprehensive search of the English-language literature to identify studies that published outcome data of patients undergoing radiosurgery treatment for vestibular schwannomas. In total, 254 articles were found that described more than 50,000 patients and were analyzed for satisfying the authors' inclusion criteria. Patients from these studies were then separated into 2 cohorts based on the marginal dose of radiation: < or = 13 Gy and > 13 Gy. All tumors included in this study were < 25 mm in their largest diameter.
RESULTS
A total of 63 articles met the criteria of the established search protocol, which combined for a total of 5631 patients. Patients receiving > 13 Gy were significantly more likely to develop trigeminal nerve neuropathy than those receiving < 13 Gy (p < 0.001). While we found no relationship between radiation dose and the rate of developing hydrocephalus (0.6% for both cohorts), patients with hydrocephalus who received doses > 13 Gy appeared to have a higher rate of symptomatic hydrocephalus requiring shunt treatment (96% [> 13 Gy] vs 56% [< or = 13 Gy], p < 0.001). The rates of vertigo or balance disturbance (1.1% [> 13 Gy] vs 1.8% [< or = 13 Gy], p = 0.001) and tinnitus (0.1% [> 13 Gy] vs 0.7% [< or = 13 Gy], p = 0.001) were significantly higher in the lower dose cohort than those in the higher dose cohort.
CONCLUSIONS
The results of our review of the literature provide a systematic summary of the published rates of nonaudiofacial morbidity following radiosurgery for vestibular schwannoma.
Topics: Cranial Nerve Diseases; Humans; Hydrocephalus; Neuroma, Acoustic; Postoperative Complications; Radiation Dosage; Radiosurgery; Radiotherapy Dosage; Tinnitus; Treatment Outcome; Trigeminal Nerve Diseases; Trigeminal Neuralgia; Vertigo
PubMed: 19951057
DOI: 10.3171/2009.9.FOCUS09198 -
Otology & Neurotology : Official... Oct 2022To review the current literature regarding cochlear implantation in patients with retrocochlear pathologies and extract speech perception scores between 6 months and 1...
OBJECTIVE
To review the current literature regarding cochlear implantation in patients with retrocochlear pathologies and extract speech perception scores between 6 months and 1 year after surgery.
DATABASES REVIEWED
PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane CENTRAL via Ovid, CINAHL Complete via Ebsco, and Web of Science.
METHODS
The review was conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Search strategies included keywords and subject headings to maximize retrieval and reflect cochlear implants and retrocochlear pathologies. Patients with previously resected vestibular schwannoma (VS) were excluded.
RESULTS
There were 2,524 abstracts screened against inclusion criteria, and 53 studies were included, with individual data available for 171 adult patients. Pathologies included were either observed or irradiated VS (previously operated tumors were excluded) (n = 99, 57.9%), superficial siderosis (n = 39, 22.8%), neurosarcoidosis (n = 11, 6.4%), and previous central nervous system or skull base radiation (n = 22, 12.9%). Mean (standard deviation) postoperative consonant-nucleus-consonant (CNC) word scores were 45.4% (24.2) for observed VS, 44.4% (20.8) for irradiated VS, 43.6% (21.0) for superficial siderosis, 89.5% (3.0) for neurosarcoidosis, and 30.0% (30.2) in patients with previous central nervous system or skull base irradiation. Irradiated compared with observed VS had similar postoperative CNC word scores (effect size, 0.06; p = 0.71). Age, sex, maximal tumor dimension, and neurofibromatosis type 2 status did not significantly impact cochlear implant performance in patients with VS. Eighty-two percent of patients with reported device usage were daily users, and overall, 82% of cases benefitted from cochlear implantation.
CONCLUSION
Cochlear implantation in patients with concomitant retrocochlear pathology generally results in improved speech discrimination scores sustained over time.
Topics: Adult; Central Nervous System Diseases; Cochlear Implantation; Cochlear Implants; Humans; Neuroma, Acoustic; Sarcoidosis; Siderosis; Speech Perception; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 36047686
DOI: 10.1097/MAO.0000000000003648 -
Neurosurgery Feb 2018What sequences should be obtained on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to evaluate vestibular schwannomas before and after surgery?
Congress of Neurological Surgeons Systematic Review and Evidence-Based Guidelines on the Role of Imaging in the Diagnosis and Management of Patients With Vestibular Schwannomas.
QUESTION 1
What sequences should be obtained on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to evaluate vestibular schwannomas before and after surgery?
TARGET POPULATION
Adults with vestibular schwannomas.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Initial Preoperative Evaluation Level 3: Imaging used to detect vestibular schwannomas should use high-resolution T2-weighted and contrast-enhanced T1-weighted MRI. Level 3: Standard T1, T2, fluid attenuated inversion recovery, and diffusion weighted imaging MR sequences obtained in axial, coronal, and sagittal plane may be used for detection of vestibular schwannomas. Preoperative Surveillance Level 3: Preoperative surveillance for growth of a vestibular schwannoma should be followed with either contrast-enhanced 3-dimensional (3-D) T1 magnetization prepared rapid acquisition gradient echo (MPRAGE) or high-resolution T2 (including constructive interference in steady state [CISS] or fast imaging employing steady-state acquisition [FIESTA] sequences) MRI. Postoperative Evaluation Level 2: Postoperative evaluation should be performed with postcontrast 3-D T1 MPRAGE, with nodular enhancement considered suspicious for recurrence.
QUESTION 2
Is there a role for advanced imaging for facial nerve detection preoperatively (eg, CISS/FIESTA or diffusion tensor imaging)?
TARGET POPULATION
Adults with proven or suspected vestibular schwannomas by imaging.
RECOMMENDATION
Level 3: T2-weighted MRI may be used to augment visualization of the facial nerve course as part of preoperative evaluation.
QUESTION 3
What is the expected growth rate of vestibular schwannomas on MRI, and how often should they be imaged if a "watch and wait" philosophy is pursued?
TARGET POPULATION
Adults with suspected vestibular schwannomas by imaging.
RECOMMENDATION
Level 3: MRIs should be obtained annually for 5 yr, with interval lengthening thereafter with tumor stability.
QUESTION 4
Do cystic vestibular schwannomas behave differently than their solid counterparts?
TARGET POPULATION
Adults with vestibular schwannomas with cystic components.
RECOMMENDATION
Level 3: Adults with cystic vestibular schwannomas should be counseled that their tumors may more often be associated with rapid growth, lower rates of complete resection, and facial nerve outcomes that may be inferior in the immediate postoperative period but similar to noncystic schwannomas over time.
QUESTION 5
Should the extent of lateral internal auditory canal involvement be considered by treating physicians?
TARGET POPULATION
Adult patients with vestibular schwannomas.
RECOMMENDATION
Level 3: The degree of lateral internal auditory canal involvement by tumor adversely affects facial nerve and hearing outcomes and should be emphasized when interpreting imaging for preoperative planning.
QUESTION 6
How should patients with neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) and vestibular schwannoma be imaged and over what follow-up period?
TARGET POPULATION
Adult patients with NF2 and vestibular schwannomas.
RECOMMENDATION
Level 3: In general, vestibular schwannomas associated with NF2 should be imaged (similar to sporadic schwannomas) with the following caveats: 1. More frequent imaging may be adopted in NF2 patients because of a more variable growth rate for vestibular schwannomas, and annual imaging may ensue once the growth rate is established. 2. In NF2 patients with bilateral vestibular schwannomas, growth rate of a vestibular schwannoma may increase after resection of the contralateral tumor, and therefore, more frequent imaging may be indicated, based on the nonoperated tumor's historical rate of growth. 3. Careful consideration should be given to whether contrast is necessary in follow-up studies or if high-resolution T2 (including CISS or FIESTA-type sequences) MRI may adequately characterize changes in lesion size instead.
QUESTION 7
How long should vestibular schwannomas be imaged after surgery, including after gross-total, near-total, and subtotal resection?
TARGET POPULATION
Adult patients with vestibular schwannomas followed after surgery.
RECOMMENDATION
Level 3: For patients receiving gross total resection, a postoperative MRI may be considered to document the surgical impression and may occur as late as 1 yr after surgery. For patients not receiving gross total resection, more frequent surveillance scans are suggested; annual MRI scans may be reasonable for 5 yr. Imaging follow-up should be adjusted accordingly for continued surveillance if any change in nodular enhancement is demonstrated. The full guideline can be found at https://www.cns.org/guidelines/guidelines-management-patients-vestibular-schwannoma/chapter_5.
Topics: Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Neuroma, Acoustic
PubMed: 29309686
DOI: 10.1093/neuros/nyx510 -
Journal of Neuro-oncology May 2009Facial nerve preservation is a critical measure of clinical outcome after vestibular schwannoma treatment. Gamma Knife radiosurgery has evolved into a practical... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Facial nerve preservation is a critical measure of clinical outcome after vestibular schwannoma treatment. Gamma Knife radiosurgery has evolved into a practical treatment modality for vestibular schwannoma patients, with several reported series from a variety of centers. In this study, we report the results of an objective analysis of reported facial nerve outcomes after the treatment of vestibular schwannomas with Gamma Knife radiosurgery.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A Boolean Pub Med search of the English language literature revealed a total of 23 published studies reporting assessable and quantifiable outcome data regarding facial nerve function in 2,204 patients who were treated with Gamma Knife radiosurgery for vestibular schwannoma. Inclusion criteria for articles were: (1) Facial nerve preservation rates were reported specifically for vestibular schwannoma, (2) Facial nerve functional outcome was reported using the House-Brackmann classification (HBC) for facial nerve function, (3) Tumor size was documented, and (4) Gamma Knife radiosurgery was the only radiosurgical modality used in the report. The data were then aggregated and analyzed based on radiation doses delivered, tumor volume, and patient age.
RESULTS
An overall facial nerve preservation rate of 96.2% was found after Gamma Knife radiosurgery for vestibular schwannoma in our analysis. Patients receiving less than or equal to 13 Gy of radiation at the marginal dose had a better facial nerve preservation rate than those who received higher doses (
13 Gy = 94.7%, P < 0.0001). Patients with a tumor volume less than or equal to 1.5 cm(3) also had a greater facial nerve preservation rate than patients with tumors greater than 1.5 cm(3) ( 1.5 cm(3) 95.5%, P < 0.0001). Superior facial nerve preservation was also noted in patients younger than or equal to 60 years of age (96.8 vs. 89.4%, P < 0.0001). The average reported follow up duration in this systematic review was 54.1 +/- 31.3 months. CONCLUSION
Our analysis of case series data aggregated from multiple centers suggests that a facial nerve preservation rate of 96.2% can be expected after Gamma knife radiosurgery for vestibular schwannoma. Younger patients with smaller tumors less than 1.5 cm(3) and treated with lower doses of radiation less than 13 Gy will likely have better facial nerve preservation rates after Gamma Knife radiosurgery for vestibular schwannoma.
Topics: Age Factors; Facial Nerve; Facial Nerve Injuries; Humans; Middle Aged; Neuroma, Acoustic; Postoperative Complications; Radiosurgery; Radiotherapy Dosage
PubMed: 19430881
DOI: 10.1007/s11060-009-9842-3 -
The Journal of International Advanced... Sep 2021Vestibular schwannomas (VS) frequently lead to ipsilateral sensorineural hearing loss (HL) as part of its natural history or as a result of treatment. Cochlear...
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
Vestibular schwannomas (VS) frequently lead to ipsilateral sensorineural hearing loss (HL) as part of its natural history or as a result of treatment. Cochlear implantation represents a well-documented treatment of profound HL that cannot be treated adequately with a conventional hearing aid, thus being offered to selected VS patients. A functional cochlea and cochlear nerve are prerequisites for sound perception with a cochlear implant (CI). The potential impact of radiotherapy on these structures is thus an important issue for subsequent CI hearing outcomes. The objective of this article is to present a case and to review the existing literature on the outcomes of cochlear implantation in irradiated VS patients systematically.
METHODS
A systematic literature review using preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses was conducted. Medline was searched systematically. Papers reporting ipsilateral CI outcomes after radiotherapy of VS were included. Additionally, results of CI after stereotactic radiotherapy in a 54-year-old male with neurofibromatosis type 2 are presented.
RESULTS
A total of 14 papers (33 patients) fulfilled inclusion criteria. Moderate preoperative HL was found in 11 patients. Six had moderate to severe HL, whereas 16 had severe HL or total deafness. Postoperative hearing outcomes varied from poor in 27% of patients to excellent in 19%, with remaining cases lying in between (mean follow-up of 19 months). Most patients achieved improvement in hearing and quality of life.
CONCLUSION
Despite variation in the degree of hearing outcome, CI after radiotherapy of VS appears to be effective in the majority of cases, as more than 70% of patients have good or excellent outcomes within 1-2 years post-implantation. Subjective benefits are considerable, even in cases with relatively poor objective outcome.
Topics: Cochlear Implantation; Cochlear Implants; Hearing Loss, Sensorineural; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Neuroma, Acoustic; Quality of Life; Speech Perception; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 34617898
DOI: 10.5152/iao.2021.21008 -
Otology & Neurotology : Official... Jul 2017To present a single-institution experience and supportive systematic literature review examining outcomes after repeat microsurgery for recurrent vestibular schwannoma... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To present a single-institution experience and supportive systematic literature review examining outcomes after repeat microsurgery for recurrent vestibular schwannoma (VS) following previous gross total resection (GTR).
STUDY DESIGN
Retrospective review of prospectively maintained VS database. Systematic literature review.
SETTING
Tertiary referral center.
PATIENTS
Six proven VS recurrences after primary GTR, treated via repeat microsurgery.
INTERVENTION
Repeat microsurgery.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
Facial nerve function, extent-of-resection, time-to-repeat surgery, same versus alternate approach at repeat surgery (relative to primary operation).
RESULTS
GTR was achieved in four (67%). House-Brackmann (HB) grade I-II facial nerve function was achieved in five (87%), including one that improved from preoperative HB grade V. An alternate surgical approach was chosen in four (67%). Systematic review identified four studies documenting 50 cases with patient-specific outcomes after repeat microsurgery for recurrent VS. Our cohort had significantly longer mean time-to-repeat surgery (117 vs. 64 months, p = 0.03), was significantly less likely to have HB III-VI function postrepeat (17% vs. 68%, p = 0.04), and was significantly less likely to undergo same approach surgery (33% vs. 90%, p = 0.0002); rates of GTR were nonsignificant (67% vs. 94%, p = 0.1).
CONCLUSION
We report a six-patient series of microsurgery for recurrent VS after GTR, and the first systematic review of this rare and challenging entity. Anecdotally, our findings suggest that an alternate surgical approach may facilitate easier access to the tumor, with less scar encountered during the approach. Our results confirm that repeat microsurgery for recurrent VS is safe and effective, even for larger tumors not typically amenable to stereotactic radiosurgery.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Female; Humans; Male; Microsurgery; Middle Aged; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Neuroma, Acoustic; Otologic Surgical Procedures; Reoperation; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 28595258
DOI: 10.1097/MAO.0000000000001402 -
NeuroRehabilitation 2024NF2-schwannomatosis (NF2) is an autosomal dominant disorder prone to hearing loss. Auditory brainstem implants (ABIs) offer a promising solution for hearing... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
NF2-schwannomatosis (NF2) is an autosomal dominant disorder prone to hearing loss. Auditory brainstem implants (ABIs) offer a promising solution for hearing rehabilitation in NF2.
OBJECTIVE
To synthesize existing literature on ABI implantation in NF2, focusing on audiological outcomes and ABI-related complications.
METHODS
The systematic review followed PRISMA guidelines and was registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42022362155). Relevant studies were identified by searching PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL, CMB, and CNKI from inception to August 2023. Data on environmental sound discrimination, open-set discrimination, closed-set discrimination, and ABI-related complications were extracted and subjected to meta-analysis. Publication bias was evaluated using funnel plots and Egger's test.
RESULTS
Thirty-three studies were included. The pooled estimate was 58% (95% CI 49-66%) for environmental sound discrimination and 55% (95% CI 40-69%) for closed-set discrimination. Regarding open-set discrimination, the pooled estimates were 30% (95% CI 19-42%) for sound only, 46% (95% CI 37-54%) for lip-reading only, and 63% (95% CI 55-70%) for sound plus lip-reading. The pooled occurrence of ABI-related complications was 33% (95% CI 15-52%).
CONCLUSION
This meta-analysis underscores the effectiveness and safety of ABIs in NF2, providing valuable insights for evidence-based decision-making and hearing rehabilitation strategies.
Topics: Humans; Auditory Brain Stem Implants; Neurofibromatosis 2; Auditory Brain Stem Implantation; Treatment Outcome; Hearing; Retrospective Studies; Neurilemmoma; Skin Neoplasms; Neurofibromatoses
PubMed: 38427506
DOI: 10.3233/NRE-230198 -
Otolaryngology--head and Neck Surgery :... Aug 2022Ubiquitous throughout the literature and during patient counseling, vestibular schwannoma is often quoted to affect about 1 per 100,000 people. Yet, reports from...
OBJECTIVE
Ubiquitous throughout the literature and during patient counseling, vestibular schwannoma is often quoted to affect about 1 per 100,000 people. Yet, reports from distinct international populations suggest that the incidence is likely much higher. The objective of the current work was to systematically characterize the global incidence of sporadic vestibular schwannoma.
DATA SOURCES
Scopus, Embase, and PubMed.
REVIEW METHODS
Population-based studies reporting incidence rates of sporadic vestibular schwannoma between January 2010 and August 2020 were searched with language restrictions requiring reports to be published in Chinese, English, German, Italian, or Spanish. The protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021228208) prior to commencement of data collection. PRISMA guidelines for transparent reporting of systematic reviews were followed.
RESULTS
Among 424 citations, 6 publications covering 4 distinct populations from Denmark, the Netherlands, Taiwan, and the United States met inclusion criteria. Most recent incidence rates of among all ages ranged between 3.0 and 5.2 per 100,000 person-years. Highest incidence rates were reported among patients aged ≥70 years, peaking at 20.6 per 100,000 person-years. One study from the United States reported the incidence of asymptomatic, incidentally diagnosed tumors at a rate of 1.3 per 100,000 person-years from 2012 to 2016.
CONCLUSIONS
Recent international incidence rates of sporadic vestibular schwannoma exceed the commonly quoted "1 per 100,000" figure by up to 5-fold among all ages and by up to 20-fold among age groups at highest risk. Based on modern incidence rates, the lifetime prevalence of developing sporadic vestibular schwannoma likely exceeds 1 per 500 persons.
Topics: Child, Preschool; Humans; Incidence; Language; Neuroma, Acoustic; Prevalence; Taiwan
PubMed: 34464224
DOI: 10.1177/01945998211042006