Spontaneous, multiple meningiomas

Object: The aim of this study is to discuss the management strategy of patients with multiple meningiomas. Methods: We describe 35 patients with multiple meningiomas. No patients carried stigmata of neurofibromatosis. All patients were studied using MR or CT after surgical treatment. Results: All 35 patients received surgical treatment. A total of 40 operations was performed. The resection of 4 meningiomas was subtotal and all other tumors were radically resected. We had excellent results with reversible operative complications in only three patients. There were no recurrences. Conclusions: We suggest that surgery is suitable for the treatment of multiple meningiomas with the following characteristics: symptomatic meningioma, asymptomatic meningioma greater than 3 cm in size and surgically accessible, and asymptomatic expanding tumor. In patients with multiple tumors, each tumor must be treated as an individual entity. The mere presence of multiple tumors does not justify their removal.