Recurrence of intracranial meningioma and its contributive factors: a 20-year study

Background: Meningiomas are common benign tumors of the brain. Meningioma patients have optimal functional recovery after surgical removal of their tumors. Some patients experience recurrence months or years after surgical resection. In this study, we try to determine the prevalence of recurrent meningioma and the correlation between recurrence and certain factors. Methods: This retrospective descriptive-analytical study included all patients with recurrent meningioma at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences-affiliated hospitals during a 20-year period (1983 to 2003). We evaluated a series of data for each patient including age, gender, tumor volume, tumor shape, bone changes, brain edema, tumor location, histological subtypes, degree of tumor resection and duration between operation and recurrence. Finally, correlations between these factors and recurrence were investigated using SPSS software version 11.5, by the descriptive method. Results: Among the 644 patients enrolled in this study, the recurrence rate of intracranial meningioma was determined to be 9.6%. Multivariate analysis revealed a statistical correlation between edema, bone changes, tumor volume, tumor volume, tumor shape and histological subtype, but no relationship was found between age, gender and tumor location. Our study shows a statistical correlation between radiotherapy and reduced chance of recurrence. Patients with malignant and atypical meningiomas have shorter periods between surgery and recurrence than those with benign types. Conclusion: We recommend that all patients with these prognostic factors receive adjuvant therapy and closer follow-up. In consideration of the statistical correlation between the degree of tumor removal and recurrence in this study, we suggest more complete tumor resection to decrease the risk of recurrence.