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Aus dem International Neuroscience Institute

The Peculiar Cystic Vestibular Schwannoma: A Single Center Experience

Dissertation

zur Erlangung des Doktorgrades der Medizin in der Medizinischen Hochschule Hannover

vorgelegt von

Hussameldin Metwali Mohammed Mohammed Elmaghaghy aus Elbehira/Ägypten

Hannover 2015

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Angenommen vom Senat der Medizinischen Hochschule Hannover Am15.12.2015

Gedruckt mit Genehmigung der Medizinischen Hochschule Hannover Präsident: Prof. Dr. Christopher Baum

Betreuer der Arbeit: Prof. Dr. med. Dr. h.c. Madjid Samii Referent: Prof. Dr. med. Christian Hartmann

Korreferent: Prof. Dr. med. Joachim Krauss Tag der mündlichen Prüfung: 15.12.2015 Prüfungsausschussmitglieder:

Prof. Dr. med. Christoph Gutenbrunner PD Dr. med. Gerald Küther

Prof. Dr. med. Makoto Nakamura

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Meiner Familie

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1.Inhaltsverzeichnis

1. Inhaltsverzeichnis ……… 4

2. Vormerkungen ……… 5

3. Publikation ……… 6

4. Zusammenfassung ……… 11

4.1. Introduction ……… 11

4.2. Objectives of the work ……….. 11

4.3. Methods ……… 12

4.4. Results ……… 13

4.5. Discussion ……….. 14

4.6. Conclusion ……….. 15

4.7. References ……….. 15

5. Anhang ……….. 18

5.1. Lebenslauf ……… 18

5.2. Dankansagung ………. 21

5.3. Erklärung nach §2 Abs 2 Nrn 6 und 7 …… 22

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5

2. Vormerkungen

Die vorliegende Arbeit wurde im INI-Hannover unter Anleitung von Herrn Professor Madjid Samii durchgeführt. Betreut wurde die Arbeit von Herrn PD Dr. med. Venelin Gerganov.

Die Arbeit wurde veröffentlicht in Word Neurosurgery

Metwali H, Samii M, Samii A, Gerganov V.The Peculiar Cystic Vestibular

Schwannoma: A Single-Center Experience.World Neurosurg. 2014

Dec;82(6):1271-1275

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The Peculiar Cystic Vestibular Schwannoma: A Single-Center Experience

Hussam Metwali, Madjid Samii, Amir Samii, Venelin Gerganov

INTRODUCTION

Vestibular schwannoma is a benign tumor originating from the vestibular nerve. It represents 6%e8% of the newly diagnosed brain tumors and 80% of the tumors arising from the cerebellopontine angle(7, 14, 18- 22). The cystic variant is estimated recently to constitute approximately 10% of all vestibular schwannomas. Cystic vestibular schwannomas are characterized by a rela- tively rapid rate of growth, frequent facial nerve involvement, and an unpredictable biological behavior(1-6, 10, 12, 15-17, 24-28).

The cystic component of vestibular schwannomas can be recognized on the preoperative imaging by being hyper- internse in T2-weighted images and hypo- intense in T1-weighted images. Contrast enhancement of the cyst wall can differ- entiate cystic vestibular schwannomas from arachnoid or epidermoid cysts(26).

Management options of vestibular schwannomas in general include observa- tion, surgery, and radiosurgery(8, 9, 13, 23).

Because of the unpredictable growth pattern of cystic vestibular schwannomas and the reported cases of rapid cyst expansion after radiotherapy(5, 6, 24), microsurgical resec- tion of cystic vestibular schwannomas is

recommended; however, according to many reports, microsurgery of cystic vestibular schwannomas is associated with a poorer facial nerve outcome in comparison with solid lesions(1-4, 10-12, 15, 17, 25-28).

In this article, we report about a single- center experience with cystic vestibular schwannoma microsurgery. The surgical outcome, in terms of facial nerve function

and postoperative morbidity, is reported and compared with that in solid vestibular schwannomas (SVS). A special point of interest was the correlation between the cyst pattern and outcome.

METHOD

Patients with a vestibular schwannoma who underwent operation at the

-OBJECTIVE:The operative management of cystic vestibular schwannoma is more challenging. In this study, we focus on the peculiarity of cystic vestibular schwannoma in terms of management and outcome. We evaluated a homogenous series of consecutive patients with cystic vestibular schwannomas who were operated on with a similar technique and via the same surgical approach.

-METHODS:The patients with vestibular schwannoma who were operated at our center from 2000 to 2012 were retrospectively analyzed. Those having cystic vestibular schwannomas, recognized by the presence of cystic components both on the preoperative magnetic resonance imaging and intraoperatively, were included.

Thirty-seven consecutive patients matched the inclusive criteria. The whole pool of solid vestibular schwannomas with similar tumor extension was used as a control group. The facial nerve outcome is reported early after surgery and after 1-year follow-up. Facial nerve palsy GI-III according to House-Brackmann grading system was considered a favorable outcome. Facial nerve palsy GIV-VI was considered unfavorable. The surgical morbidity in the 2 groups was compared. A special point of interest was the correlation between the cyst pattern and outcome.

-RESULTS:Cystic vestibular schwannomas are associated with a worse early facial nerve outcome (unfavorable in 37.8% in cystic vestibular schwannoma compared with 17.5% in the solid variant). After 1-year follow-up, 8.1% of the cystic variant had unfavorable facial nerve outcome. Meanwhile, 6.2% of the solid variant had unfavorable outcomes. There was no statistically significant difference between both groups regarding the long-term facial nerve outcome.

The cystic variant had a greater postoperative morbidity rates, especially hemorrhage (8.1%), in comparison with solid vestibular schwannoma of the same extension (1.7%). Hydrocephalus without significant hematoma is also significantly greater in the cystic type than the solid variant. Medially located thin walled cysts are related to worse facial nerve outcome.

-CONCLUSION:Surgery of cystic vestibular schwannomas is associated with a greater rate of morbidity and facial nerve dysfunction compared with the solid variant. Special attention is required during facial dissection to allow functional preservation, especially with tumors with medially located thin walled cysts.

Meticulous hemostasis also is required to avoid postoperative hematoma. Close postoperative care is mandatory for early detection and prompt management of possible postoperative complications.

Key words

-Cystic vestibular schwannoma

-Facial nerve preservation

-Microsurgery

-Outcome

Abbreviations and Acronyms CSF: Cerebral spinal fluid MRI: Magnetic resonance imaging SVS: Solid vestibular schwannomas

International Neuroscience Institute, Hanover, Germany

To whom correspondence should be addressed:

Hussam Metwali, M.Sc.

[E-mail:drhussamm@yahoo.com;drhussamm@gmail.com]

Citation: World Neurosurg. (2014) 82, 6:1271-1275.

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.wneu.2014.07.011 Journal homepage:www.WORLDNEUROSURGERY.org Available online:www.sciencedirect.com 1878-8750/$ - see front matterª2014 Elsevier Inc.

All rights reserved.

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3. Publikation

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International Neuroscience Institute from 2000 to 2012 were analyzed retrospectively.

Those patients with a cystic vestibular schwannoma, recognized by the presence of a cystic component in the preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with intraoperative confirmation of the cystic formation, were included in the study.

Tumors with small central intratumoral cystic appearance on MRI that was not confirmed intraoperatively were not regarded as cystic vestibular schwannoma.

The preoperative data, preoperative diag- nostic imaging, operative reports, and postoperative data were analyzed. The main end points were extent of tumor resection, postoperative complication rate, and facial nerve functional outcome.

Depending on the pattern of cyst for- mation, cystic vestibular schwannomas were divided into the following sub- groups: multiple large thin-walled cysts, multiple small thick-walled cysts, single large thin-walled cyst, large central thick- walled cyst, and mixed pattern of small and large cysts. The correlation between this cyst pattern and the general/func- tional outcome also was analyzed.

The vestibular schwannomas were be classified in regard to their extension into grade T1 (tumor inside the internal auditory canal), T2 (tumor extending into the cer- ebellopontine angle), T3 (tumorfilling the CPA and reaching the brainstem), and T4 (tumors compressing the brainstem) (18- 22). All confirmed cystic vestibular schwan- nomas in the current series had tumor extension grade T4 according to this Hann- over classification. The whole pool of SVS operated from 2000 to 2012 that had tumor extension grade T4 were used as a control group. The facial nerve outcome was clas- sified according to the House-Brackmann grading system considering favorable facial nerve outcome grades I-III and unfavorable outcome grades IV-VI. The early facial nerve outcome (at 3 weeks after surgery) and late facial nerve outcome (at 1 year after surgery) were reported and compared in both groups.

Recurrent/residual tumors, neurofibro- matosis-associated vestibular schwanno- mas, as well as those operated after previous radiotherapy, were excluded from both groups. The follow-up period ranged from 1 to 10 years. In this study, we focus on outcome at 1-year follow-up.

The statistical significance of the dif- ference between the outcomes in the

groups was evaluated using the Fisher extraction test. The difference is consid- ered statistically significant if thePvalue is less than 0.05. Graphpad prism 5 software (Graphpad Software Inc., La Jolla, Cali- fornia, USA) was used to perform the statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Patient Population

Thirty-seven consecutive patients meeting the selection criteria as patients harboring cystic vestibular schwannomas underwent operation at the International Neurosci- ence Institute in the period from 2000 to 2012. During the same period, 231 patients with Grade T4 SVS were operated and met our selection criteria. All patients were operated via the retrosigmoid approach with a similar technique. The age of the patients in the cystic group ranged from 19 to 65 years (average, 41 years) whereas in those with solid tumors ranged from 20 to 67 years (average, 43 years). Male-to-fe- male ratio was 19:18 in the cystic group and 113:118 in the solid group.

Preoperative Data

Two patients of the cystic vestibular schwannoma group had preoperative facial nerve palsy H&B Grade II. Two patients with cystic vestibular schwannoma presented with decompensated hydrocephalus that required a ventriculoperitoneal shunt, per- formed in other institutes. One patient with a large solid tumor showed signs of decompensated hydrocephalus and required external ventricular drainage before surgery that could be removed after tumor resection. The tumor size was homogenous in both groups (Extension Grade T4 ac- cording to the Hannover classification).

Preoperative Imaging

The preoperative images of the patients who showed cystic formation included several different patterns. Eleven patients harbored tumors with multiple large thin- walled cysts, in 5 patients the tumor had multiple small thick-walled cysts, 9 patients a single large thin-walled cyst, and 3 patients had a large central thick- walled cyst. Nine patients showed a mixed pattern of small and large cysts (Table 1).

All patients had medially located cysts with or without lateral cysts.

Operative Findings

Total tumor resection was attempted in all cases (Figure 1). The rate of total tumor removal was not significantly different in both groups (P value 0.09). In 2 cases (5.4%), total tumor removal was not possible and a thin layer of the tumor was left on the facial nerve. During a follow-up period of 8 years and 7 years, respectively, these remnants showed no growth ten- dency. In 2 cases of the solid variant, a thin layer of the tumor capsule was left on the facial nerve (0.8%). Both did not grow dur- ing a follow-up period of 2 years and 6 years.

Cystic vestibular schwannomas usually had a fragile cyst wall that was adherent to the brainstem, facial nerve, blood vessels, and the cerebellum. Because of these ad- hesions and the fragility of the wall that posed difficulties in its holding and elevation, the establishment of a dissec- tion plane was more difficult. The main difficulty was in dissection of the tumor from the facial nerve. In all cases, the tu- mor can safely and completely dissected from the brainstem and the related blood vessels. Electrophysiological monitoring of the facial nerve was mandatory to avoid facial nerve injury during tumor dissection and removal. In all cases meticulous he- mostasis was performed. The hemostasis was confirmed with jugular compression.

Facial Nerve Outcome

The risk of intraoperative facial nerve injury was also not significantly higher in cystic vestibular schwannomas, with a Pvalue of 0.3. In this group preservation of the facial nerve, as confirmed with elec- trophysiology, was possible in all, except for 1 case (97.3%). In the group of SVS, structural preservation of the facial nerve was not possible in 2 cases (99.2%).

The early postoperative facial nerve outcome in cystic vestibular schwannomas was Grade I in 9 patients, Grade II in 8 pa- tients, Grade III in 6 patients, Grade IV in 12 patients, Grade V in 1 patient, and Grade VI in 1 patient. Favorable outcomes constituted 62.1% and unfavorable 37.8%. After 1-year follow up, 34 patients had favorable facial nerve outcome (91.8%) and 8.1% had an unfavorable outcome. In the solid group (early postoperatively), Grade I was docu- mented in 81 patients, Grade II in 48 pa- tients, Grade III in 62 patients, Grade VI in 36 patients, Grade V in 2 patients, and Grade VI in 2 patients. Favorable outcomes

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constituted 82.5% and unfavorable 17.5%. At 1-year follow-up, 93.8% of the solid group had favorable facial nerve outcome, and 6.2% had an unfavorable facial nerve outcome (Table 2). The difference between the facial outcomes in the group of CVS in comparison with the group of SVS was sta- tistically significant (Pvalue 0.007). Never- theless, there was no significant difference

between the long-term facial nerve out- comes between both groups (Pvalue 0.7).

The analysis of the facial nerve outcome in relation to the cyst pattern showed an interesting correlation. Eleven patients with postoperative facial nerve weakness (H-B IV-VI) had tumors with large thin- walled cysts located medially in the tumor.

Five patients with postoperative Grade III

facial weakness had large cysts located medially (Table 1).

Postoperative Morbidity

The risk of postoperative significant he- matomas is significantly greater with the cystic variant of vestibular schwannomas with aPvalue of 0.03 and a relative risk of 1.84. Three cases of cystic vestibular schwannoma (8.1%) had significant tumor bed hematoma, of which 2 required evac- uation without long-term sequences. One patient was fully conscious without neuro- logic deficits and was managed conserva- tively. In the SVS group, 4 patients (1.7 %) had postoperative hematomas; in 3 it was clinically significant and associated with hydrocephalus. Surgical evacuation of the hematoma and external ventricular drainage placemen was required in 3 cases, whereas the fourth was treated only with external ventricular drainage. Postoperative hydrocephalus without a significant he- matoma was also significantly greater with the cystic variant, with aPvalue of less than 0.0001 and a relative risk of 2.057. Three patients from the CVS group required temporary external ventricular drainage for the management of postoperative hydro- cephalus. These patients had no significant hematoma. The drainage was gradually increased every other day until there was complete cessation of cerebral spinalfluid (CSF) outflow. If the patient had no signs of increased intracranial pressure and computed tomography scan proved that the ventricles were not larger, the external ventricular drainage was removed. In the solid variant, hydrocephalus occurred only in cases with significant hematoma. One case showed symptomatic postoperative pneumocephalus that required a temporary external ventricular drainage. Furthermore, 2 patients with CVS developed an incisional CSF leak and were managed by continuous lumbar drainage for 6 days.

In the SVS group, 10 patients experienced CSF rhinorrhea (4%). Nine of them were successfully managed with continuous lumbar drainage, whereas 1 patient required revision surgery and packing of the air cells with autologous fat graft. Two patients with CVS and one patient with SVS had transient swallowing difficulties that improved with swallowing training. Temporary VIth cra- nial nerve palsy was observed in 2 cases with SVS. The postoperative morbidities are summarized in Table 3. There was no

Figure 1. (A) and (B) are the preoperative images of cystic vesticular schwannoma. (C) and (D) are the postoperative imaging showing total resection of the tumor. The hyperintense signal at the posterior wall of the canal is the fat used to close the peri meatal air cells.

Table 1. Type of Cyst Formation

Pattern of the Cyst Formation No. Patients

No. Patients with Unfavorable Facial Nerve Outcome (%)

Multiple large thin-walled cysts 11 5 (45.4)

Multiple small thick-walled cysts 5 1 (20)

Single large thin-walled cyst 9 5 (55.5)

Large central thick-walled cyst 3 0

Mixed pattern of small and large cysts 9 0

The unfavorable facial nerve outcome is included related to each type of the cyst formation.

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statistical significance between the post- operative lower cranial nerve dysfunction between both groups (P value 0.2). We considered the CSF leak and pneumo- cephalus as approach-related complications rather than lesion-related ones.

DISCUSSION

Cystic vestibular schwannomas have a shorter symptomatic period and an unpre- dictable biological behavior. The incidence of the cystic variant of vestibular schwanno- mas ranges from 5% to 48%, with recent reports suggesting the real incidence to be approximately 10%. Cystic vestibular schwannomas are recognized with the presence of a cystic component in the pre- operative MRIs with intraoperative confir- mation of the cystic formation. Tumors with a small central intratumoral cystic appear- ance on MRI that was not confirmed intra- operatively were not regarded as cystic vestibular schwannoma. The exact mecha- nism of cyst formation is not clear. Some reports suggest the role of matrix metal- loproteinase II in the cystic formation. These can also play a role in the development of peritumoral adhesions(15). Cyst formation might be associated with brainstem compression and obstructive hydrocephalus.

Hemorrhage into a cyst might be associated with sudden aggravation of the symptoms and possible decompensation(2, 6, 16).

Because of the unpredictable behavior and growth pattern of CVS, observation is not a possible therapeutic option(2, 15, 17, 25, 28).

Radiosurgery can be associated with cystic expansion or intratumoral hemorrhage(5, 6, 24). Microsurgical resection of the tumor is therefore the widely accepted therapeutic approach. Nevertheless, microsurgical resection of cystic vestibular schwannomas, according to many reports, is associated with greater postoperative morbidity.

According to our observation at surgery, CVS are relatively more adherent to the nearby structures and in particular to the facial nerve. Furthermore, the tumor is relatively friable with no definite capsule.

This renders elevation of the tumor tissue for dissection and creation of a plane of cleavage more difficult. Bipolar coagula- tion and hardening of the tumor is not recommended in our practice. Similar

observations have been reported by Moon et al.(15)and Benech et al.(1).

In this series, growth total resection of the cystic vestibular schwannoma was achieved in all cases except in 2, where a thin sheath of the tumor capsule was left adherent to the facial nerve. No further resection was possible because electrical stimulation of the obvious tumor tissue elicited contraction of the facial muscula- ture. In such situation, we recommend leaving this thin sheath of the tumor as not to jeopardize facial nerve function. In this series, there was no remnant left adherent to the brainstem or to the other cranial nerves and the tumor could be dissected from these structures. In one case with cystic vestibular schwannoma, the tumor infiltrated the facial nerve and its preser- vation was not possible. A direct surgical repair was also not possible because of the absence of the proximal end. In this patient facial hypoglossal anastomosis was per- formed. In the SVS group, facial nerve preservation was not possible in 2 cases. In 1 case, the facial nerve was directly recon- structed end-end, and in the second case the facial nerve was reconstructed using a sural nerve interpositional cable graft.

Jones et al.(11)and Piccirillo et al.(17) did notfind a significant difference in the facial nerve outcome between the cystic and the solid variants. However, Benech et al.

(1) and Yashar et al. (28) have reported poorer facial nerve outcome in case of the cystic variant. In our series, the early facial nerve outcome is significantly poorer with the cystic variant. However, after 1-year follow-up, there was no significant differ- ence between both groups. This empha- sizes the value of intraoperative facial nerve preservation and the regular postoperative facial training to regain the function.

The presence of thin-walled medially located cysts is associated with unfavor- able facial nerve outcomes. This observa- tion is consistent with the observation of Piccirillo et al.(17). Careful dissection of the facial nerve is recommended in tumors with such a configuration.

Despite meticulous intraoperative he- mostasis, the incidence of postoperative hematomas was significantly greater with cystic vestibular schwannomas. Three pa- tients developed significant postoperative tumor bed hematomas, 2 of whom required surgical evacuation. One patient did not show signs of increase intracranial pressure Table 2. Facial Nerve Outcome After Resection of Cystic and Solid Vestibular

Schwannoma According to the House Brackmann (H-B) Grading System

H-B Grade

Cystic Variant Solid Variant

Early After 1 Year Early After 1 Year

n % n % n % n %

GI 9 24.3 18 48.6 81 35 101 43.7

GII 8 21.6 10 27 48 20.7 91 39.3

GIII 6 16.2 6 16.2 62 26.8 25 10.8

GVI 12 32.4 1 2.7 36 15.5 11 4.7

GV 1 2.7 1 2.7 2 0.08 1 0.04

GVI 1 2.7 1 2.7 2 0.08 2 0.08

Total 37 100 37 100 231 100 231 100

Early (3 weeks after surgery) as well as late (1 year after surgery) facial nerve outcomes are included.

Table 3. Distribution of Postoperative Morbidity Between Cystic and Solid Vestibular Schwannoma

Cystic Variant Solid Variant

n % n %

Hematoma 3 8.1 4 1.7

Hydrocephalus 3 8.1 0 0

CSF leak 2 5.4 10 4

Swallowing difficulties

2 5.4 1 0.4

Sixth cranial nerve palsy

0 0 2 0.8

CSF, cerebrospinal fluid.

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and was clinically stable. Accordingly, this patient was conservatively managed despite a radiologically significant tumor bed he- matoma. This could be attributed to the matrix metalloproteinase II, which could play a role in increasing vascular fragility.

The incidence of clinically significant postoperative hydrocephalus without sig- nificant tumor bed hematoma is greater with cystic vestibular schwannomas. The greater risk of postoperative hematomas and hydrocephalus necessitates a very close postoperative observation of these patients, and prompt computed tomography scan imaging in cases of suspected deterioration or delayed recovery. There were no signifi- cant differences in the rate of other com- plications, such as postoperative swallowing difficulties. CSF leak should be considered as approach-related complica- tion, not correlated to the type of the lesion.

Although microsurgery of cystic vestib- ular schwannomas represents thefirst line of management, care should be taken to avoid injury of the facial nerve and brain- stem. Facial nerve electromyolography plays an important role in facial nerve identification and preservation. If the tu- mor infiltrates the facial nerve or strongly adheres to it, a thin sheath of the tumor is kept on the nerve. Meticulous hemostasis is mandatory to avoid a postoperative he- matoma. Close postoperative observation is also important for early detection and prompt management of such hematomas.

CONCLUSIONS

Cystic vestibular schwannoma is a special type of vestibular schwannoma which, ac- cording to our experience, requires special intraoperative and postoperative care to guard against hematoma formation and hydrocephalus. The patient should be informed about the greater rates of unfa- vorable facial nerve outcome. The pattern of cyst formation influences the facial nerve outcome. Patients with thin walled medially located cysts had worse diagnosis.

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Conflict of interest statement: The authors declare that the article content was composed in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Received 17 March 2014; accepted 15 July 2014;

published online 18 July 2014

Citation: World Neurosurg. (2014) 82, 6:1271-1275.

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.wneu.2014.07.011 Journal homepage:www.WORLDNEUROSURGERY.org Available online:www.sciencedirect.com 1878-8750/$ - see front matterª2014 Elsevier Inc.

All rights reserved.

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11

4. Zusammenfassung 4.1. Introduction

Vestibular schwannomas are benign tumors originating from the vestibular nerve. They represent 6-8% of all newly diagnosed brain tumors and 80% of the tumors arising from the cerebellopontine angle

1-5

.

The cystic variant is estimated recently to constitute about 10% of all vestibular schwannomas

6-8

. Cystic vestibular schwannomas (CVSs) are characterized by a relatively rapid rate of growth, frequent facial nerve involvement, and an unpredictable biological behavior

6-15

.

The exact mechanism of cyst formation is not clear. Some reports suggested the role of matrix metalloproteinase II in cyst formation. It can also play a role in the development of peritumoral adhesions

8

. Cyst formation may be associated with brainstem compression and obstructive hydrocephalus. Hemorrhage into the cyst may cause sudden aggravation of the symptoms and possible decompensation

6-8

.

Management options of vestibular schwannomas (VSs) include observation, surgery, and radiosurgery. The growth pattern of CVSs is unpredictable and radiosurgery can cause rapid cyst expansion or intratumoral hemorrhage

16-18

. Therefore, microsurgical resection of CVSs is recommended

6-17

. However, according to published studies, microsurgery of CVSs is associated with a poorer facial nerve outcome in comparison to that of solid vestibular schwannomas (SVSs). Postoperative hematoma formation and hydrocephalus is higher in cases of CVSs

10-15

. It was recommended in a 2003 consensus meeting that a cystic vestibular schwannoma should be categorized as a different group within VSs and should be analyzed and reported separately

2

.

4.2. Objectives of the work The goal of the study was to:

1. analyze the characteristics of cyst formation and their effect on facial nerve outcome

2. analyze the outcome of microsurgical resection of CVSs.

3. compare the outcome of microsurgical resection of CVSs to that of SVSs.

(12)

4.3. Methods

Retrospective analysis of all vestibular schwannoma patients operated at INI- Hannover from 2000 till 2012 was performed. The patients with CVSs were selected based on the following criteria

1. presence of a cystic component in the preoperative MRI 2. operative confirmation of the cystic formation

The retrospective data analysis included: clinical history, clinical presentation, age, and sex distribution; preoperative magnetic resonance imaging; operative reports with special attention to the surgeon’s observations regarding the adhesiveness of the tumor to the nearby structures and the possibility of the anatomical facial nerve preservation; postoperative data including the postoperative early facial nerve outcome, the postoperative complications particularly postoperative hematoma and hydrocephalus; and follow up data after 1 year.

In this study, all patients with CVSs presented with tumor extension grade T4.

The control group included all patients with SVSs who had the same tumor extension like the cystic variant (T4), and were operated from 2000 till 2012.

Grade 4 vestibular schwannomas, according to the Hannover classification, are tumors compressing the brainstem with or without compressing and displacing of the fourth ventricle.

Data Analysis

The following points were analyzed:

1. pattern of cyst formation in the preoperative MRI and its relation to facial nerve outcome.

2. rate of anatomical facial nerve preservation in comparison to that in SVSs 3. early facial nerve outcome in comparison to that in SVSs

4. facial nerve outcome after 1 year in comparison to that in SVSs

5. general outcome including rate of postoperative hematoma and hydrocephalus in comparison to that in SVSs

Statistical analysis

The statistical significance of the difference between the two groups was tested

using Fisher’s extraction test. The difference is considered statistically

significant if the P value is less than 0.05. Graphpad prism 5 software was used

to perform the statistical analysis (trial version).

(13)

13

4.4. Results

Patients’ population

1. the cystic vestibular schwannoma group included 37 patients 2. the control group included 231 patients

Preoperative Data

Two patients from the CVSs group had preoperative facial nerve palsy H&B Grade II. Two patients with CVSs presented with decompensated hydrocephalus that required ventriculoperitoneal shunt performed in other institutes. One patient with a large solid tumor showed signs of decompensated hydrocephalus that required external ventricular drainage before surgery and that was later removed after tumor resection. The tumor size was homogenous in both groups (T4).

Pattern of the cyst distibution

• Eleven CVSs (29.7%) with multiple large thin-walled cysts,

• Five CVSs (13.5%)with multiple small thick-walled cysts,

• Nine CVSs (24.3%) with a single large thin-walled cyst,

• Three CVSs (8%)with a large central thick-walled cyst,

• Nine CVSs (24.3%) with a mixed pattern of small and large cysts.

Extend of resection

Total tumor resection was attempted in all cases of CVSs and SVSs and was achieved in 35 cases of CVS (94.6%). On the other side, total tumor resection was achieved in 229 cases of SVS (99.1%). The difference was not statistically significant.

Anatomical preservation of the facial nerve

Anatomical preservation of the facial nerve was possible in 36 cases of CVSs (97.3%) and was preserved in 230 cases of SVSs (99.5%). The difference was not statistically significant between both groups.

Operative finding

Cystic vestibular schwannomas, especially with medially located thin walled

cysts, usually show a fragile cyst wall that is more adherent to the brainstem,

facial nerve, blood vessels, and the cerebellum. However, CVSs with thick cyst

wall were less adherent and easier to be dissected.

(14)

Facial nerve outcome

The early facial nerve outcome in the group of CVSs was statistically worse in comparison to that in SVSs (P value 0.02). Nevertheless, there was no statistical difference in the facial nerve outcome after one year follow up.

The early facial nerve outcome could be correlated directly to the pattern of cyst distribution. Eleven patients with postoperative facial nerve weakness (H-B IV- VI) had tumors with large thin-walled cysts located medially in the tumor. Five patients with postoperative Grade III facial weakness had large cysts located medially. The patients with thick cyst wall had more favorable facial nerve outcome.

General postoperative outcome

The rate of postoperative hematomas was significantly greater in CVSs with a P value of 0.03. Three cases of CVSs (8.1%) had tumor bed hematoma. In the SVS group, 4 patients (1.7%) had tumor bed hematomas. The rate of p ostoperative hydrocephalus was also significantly greater in CVSs.

4.5. Discussion

According to our observation during the surgery of CVSs the tumor is more adherent to the nearby structures and in particular - to the facial nerve. This is most pronounced in tumors with medially located thin walled cysts.

Furthermore, the tumor may be friable without definite capsule. A similar observation was reported by other authors, who therefore recommended partial tumor resection

8,10,15

. In this series, gross total removal was attempted in all cases of CVS and achieved in 94.6% of the cases.

In the literature, there is a controversy about facial nerve outcome after microsurgical resection of the CVSs. Jones et al and Piccirillo et al did not find a significant difference in the facial nerve outcome between the cystic and the solid variants

14,15

. Meanwhile, Benech et al and Yashar et al have reported poorer facial nerve outcome in case of CVSs

10,12

. Interestingly, we found that only the early facial nerve outcome was significantly poorer in CVSs. There was no significant difference in the facial nerve outcome after 1 year follow up. This indicates the importance of the anatomical preservation of the facial nerve during surgery, which will give the nerve chance to recover.

The presence of a large cyst with a medially located thin cyst wall in relation to

the brainstem or the facial nerve is also related to poorer facial nerve outcome.

(15)

15

The results are similar to the results of Piccirillo et al

15

. Although this author recommended partial resection of CVSs with thin wall medially located cysts, we recommend total removal that turned out to be feasible in 94.6% of the cases.

The rate of postoperative hematomas was significantly higher in CVSs. In spite of meticulous intraoperative hemostasis, three patients developed postoperative tumor bed hematomas, two of whom required surgical evacuation. The rate of postoperative hydrocephalus that required temporary external ventricular drainage was also significantly higher in the cystic variant. The incidence of postoperative hematomas and hydrocephalus necessitates a very close postoperative observation and prompt CT scan imaging in cases of suspected deterioration or delayed recovery.

4.6. Conclusion

Cystic vestibular schwannomas, especially with thin wall cysts, are adherent to the nearby structures, in particular to the facial nerve. Nevertheless, total tumor resection is safely possible. The early facial nerve outcome is significantly worse in patients with CVSs in comparison to that in SVSs but there is no significant difference in the long term facial nerve outcome between both groups. The rate of postoperative hematoma and hydrocephalus were significantly higher in patients with CVSs.

4.7. References

1. Mahaley MS Jr, Mettlin C, Natarajan N, et al. Analysis of patterns of care of brain tumor patients in the United States: a study of the brain tumor section of the AANS and the CNS and the commission on cancer of the ACS. Clin Neurosurg. 1990; 36:347-352

2. Kanzaki J, Tos M, Sanna M, et al. New and modified reporting systems from the consensus meeting on systems for reporting results in vestibular schwannoma. Otol Neurotol. 2003; 24:642-648

3. Gerganov VM, Klinge PM, Nouri M, Stieglitz L, Samii M, Samii A.Prognostic clinical and radiological parameters for immediate facial nerve function following vestibular schwannoma surgery.Acta Neurochir (Wien). 2009; 151(6):581-587

4. Gharabaghi A, Samii A, Koerbel A, Rosahl SK, Tatagiba M, Samii

M.Preservation of function in vestibular schwannoma

surgery.Neurosurgery. 2007; 60(2 Suppl 1):ONS124-127; discussion

ONS127-128

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5. Gerganov VM, Samii M.Giant vestibular schwannomas.World Neurosurg.

2012; 77(5-6):627-628

6. Charabi S, Klinken L, Tos M, Thomsen J.Histopathology and growth pattern of cystic acoustic neuromas.Laryngoscope. 1994; 104(11 Pt 1):1348-1352

7. Park CK, Kim DC, Park SH, Kim JE, Paek SH, Kim DG, Jung HW.Microhemorrhage, a possible mechanism for cyst formation in vestibular schwannomas.J Neurosurg. 2006; 105(4):576-580

8. Moon KS, Jung S, Seo SK, Jung TY, Kim IY, Ryu HH, Jin YH, Jin SG, Jeong YI, Kim KK, Kang SS.Cystic vestibular schwannomas: a possible role of matrix metalloproteinase-2 in cyst development and unfavorable surgical outcome.J Neurosurg. 2007; 106(5):866-871

9. Jian BJ, Sughrue ME, Kaur R, Rutkowski MJ, Kane AJ, Kaur G, Yang I, Pitts LH, Parsa AT.Implications of cystic features in vestibular schwannomas of patients undergoing microsurgical resection.Neurosurgery. 2007; 68(4):874-880; discussion 879-880

10. Benech F, Perez R, Fontanella MM, Morra B, Albera R, Ducati A.Cystic versus solid vestibular schwannomas: a series of 80 grade III-IV patients.Neurosurg Rev.2005;28(3):209-213

11. Sinha S, Sharma BS.Cystic acoustic neuromas: surgical outcome in a series of 58 patients.J Clin Neurosci. 2008; 15(5):511-515

12. Yashar P, Zada G, Harris B, Giannotta SL.Extent of resection and early postoperative outcomes following removal of cystic vestibular schwannomas: surgical experience over a decade and review of the literature.Neurosurg Focus. 2012; 33(3):E13

13. Charabi S, Tos M, Børgesen SE, Thomsen J: Cystic acoustic neuromas.

Results of translabyrinthine surgery. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg.

1994; 120:1333–1338

14. Jones SE, Baguley DM, Moffat DA.Are facial nerve outcomes worse following surgery for cystic vestibular schwannoma. 2007; Skull Base 17(5):281-284

15. Piccirillo E, Wiet MR, Flanagan S, Dispenza F, Giannuzzi A, Mancini F, Sanna M.Cystic vestibular schwannoma: classification, management, and facial nerve outcomes.Otol Neurotol. 2009; 30(6):826-834

16. Shirato H, Sakamoto T, Takeichi N, et al. Fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy for vestibular schwannoma (VS): comparison between cystic-type and solid-type VS. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys. 2000;

48:1395-1401

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17

17. de Ipolyi AR, Yang I, Buckley A, et al. Fluctuating response of cystic vestibular schwannoma to radiosurgery: case report. Neurosurgery. 2008;

62:E1164-5

18. Ganslandt O, Fahrig A, Strauss C: Hemorrhage into cystic vestibular schwannoma following stereotactic radiation therapy. Zentralbl Neurochir. 2008; 69:204–206

“Publikation”: reprinted from World Neurosurgery: Metwali H, Samii M, Samii

A, Gerganov V.The Peculiar Cystic Vestibular Schwannoma: A Single-Center

Experience.World Neurosurg. 2014 Dec;82(6):1271-1275, with permission from

Elsevier.

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5.Anhang

5.1. Lebenslauf

Name Hussameldin Metwali Mohammad Mohammad Elmaghaghy Geburtsdatum 11.09.1979

Verheiratet, 2 Kinder

Beruf Facharzt für Neurochirurgie. INI-Hannover Adresse Burgdorfer Damm 27

30625 Hannover

Tel. Handy: 016093759634 Festnetz: 0511 67917105 e-mail drhussamm@yahoo.com

1985-1991 Grundschule, Ägypten 1990-1993 Gymnasium, Ägypten 1993-1996 Abitur, Ägypten

1996-2002 Studium der Humanmedizin, Universität Alexandria, Ägypten 2002 Bachelor der Medizin und Chirurgie, Universität Alexandria,

Prädikat: Ausgezeichnet (mit Ehrengrad) 3/2003 –

3/2004

Praktikant an den Alexandria Universitätskrankenhäusern 7/2004 –

7/2007

Assistenzarzt für Neurochirurgie, Uniklinkum Alexandria / Ägypten

4/2007 Vorstellung der Magisterarbeit, Thema: "Morphmetric

Analysis of the Surgical Approaches to the Cerebellopontine Angle Lesions"

6/2007 Erteilung des Masters in Chirurgie, Universität Alexandria, Ägypten,

Prädikat: Ausgezeichnet

4 – 5/ 2008 Dozent für Neurochirurgie, Universität Alexandria, Ägypten

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19

5/2008 – 3/2011

Assistant Lecturer für Neurochirurgie, Universität Alexandria.

Ägypten 8/ 2008-

2/2009

Research Fellow Abteilung der Neuro-Chirurgie, Universität Keio, Tokyo – Japan (WFNS skull base fellowship). Prof. T.

Kawase 2/2009 – 5/

2009

Clinical Fellow, Abteilung der Neurochirurgie, Osaka City Universität, Osaka – Japan. Prof. K. Ohata

3/ 2011- 3/2014

Arzt zur Weiterbildung, INI Hannover 4/2014- Facharzt für Neurochirurgie

Gesellschaften

The Egyptian Society of neurological Surgery, 2010

Fellowship of the world Federation of neurosurgical society, 2009 Professionelle Lizenzen:

Approbation als Arzt zur Ausübung des ärztlichen Berufes in Ägypten, 2003 Facharzt für Neurochirurgie (Ägypten 2010)

Approbation als Arzt zur Ausübung des ärztlichen Berufes in Deutschland, 2013 Facharzt für Neurochirurgie (Deutschland 2014)

Publikationen

1. Nagata T, Ishibashi K, Metwally H, Morisako H, Chokyu I, Ichinose T, Goto T, Takami T, Tsuyuguchi N, Ohata K.Analysis of venous drainage from sylvian veins in clinoidal meningiomas.World Neurosurg. 2013 Jan;79(1):116-23

2. Metwali H, Samii M, Samii A, Gerganov V.The Peculiar Cystic Vestibular Schwannoma: A Single Center Experience.World Neurosurg.

2014 Jul 18. pii: S1878-8750(14)00670-6. doi:

10.1016/j.wneu.2014.07.011. [Epub ahead of print]

3. Gerganov V, Metwali H, Samii A, Fahlbusch R, Samii M.Microsurgical resection of extensive craniopharyngiomas using a frontolateral approach:

operative technique and outcome.J Neurosurg. 2014 Feb;120(2):559-70

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4. Giordano M, Gerganov VM, Metwali H, Fahlbusch R, Samii A, Samii M, Bertalanffy H.Feasibility of cervical intramedullary diffuse glioma resection using intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging. Neurosurg Rev. 2013 Nov 15. [Epub ahead of print]

5. Samii M, Metwali H, Samii A, Gerganov V. Retrosigmoid intradural inframeatal approach: indications and technique. Neurosurgery. 2013 Sep;73(1 Suppl Operative):ons53-9

Besondere Kenntnisse

Microsoft Word, Excel und Powerpoint, Endnote

Medizinische Statistik: Prism GraphPad, SPSS, und MS Excel Sprachenkenntnisse

Arabisch Muttersprache Englisch fließend Deutsch fließend Hobbies und Interessen Fotografieren, Literatur

Hussameldin Metwali Elmaghaghy Hannover 07.03.16

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21

5.2. Danksagung

Mein herzlicher Dank gilt:

Meinen Eltern, meiner Frau und meinen Kindern für deren Geduld und Liebe.

Herrn Professor Dr. med. Madjid Samii für die Möglichkeit, diese Dissertation unter seiner exzellenten Betreuung durchzuführen.

Herrn PD Dr. med. Venelin Gerganov für die uneingeschränkte Unterstützung, Förderung und Motivation.

Herrn Professor Dr. med. Amir Samii für Unterstützung.

(22)

5.3. Erklärung nach § 2 Abs. 2 Nrn. 6 und 7

Ich erkläre, dass ich die der Medizinischen Hochschule Hannover zur Promotion eingereichte Dissertation mit dem Titel „The Peculiar Cystic Vestibular Schwannoma: A Single Center Experience” in der Klinik „International Neuroscience Institute-Hannover“ unter Betreuung von Prof. Dr. med. Madjid Samii mit der Unterstützung durch PD Dr. med. Venelin Gerganov ohne sonstige Hilfe durchgeführt und bei der Abfassung der Dissertation keine anderen als die dort aufgeführten Hilfsmittel benutzt habe.

Die Gelegenheit zum vorliegenden Promotionsverfahren ist mir nicht kommerziell vermittelt worden. Insbesondere habe ich keine Organisation eingeschaltet, die gegen Entgelt Betreuerinnen und Betreuer für die Anfertigung von Dissertationen sucht oder die mir obliegenden Pflichten hinsichtlich der Prüfungsleistungen für mich ganz oder teilweise erledigt. Ich habe diese Dissertation bisher an keiner in- oder ausländischen Hochschule zur Promotion eingereicht.

Weiterhin versichere ich, dass ich den beantragten Titel bisher noch nicht erworben habe.

Ergebnisse der Dissertation wurden/werden in folgendem Publikationsorgan

„World Neurosurgery“ veröffentlicht.

Metwali H, Samii M, Samii A, Gerganov V.The Peculiar Cystic Vestibular Schwannoma: A Single-Center Experience.World Neurosurg. 2014 Dec;82(6):1271-1275

Hannover, den _______________________

___________________________________(Unterschrift)

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