Tuberculum Sellae Meningioma: Report of Two Cases and Literature Review of Limits of the Transcranial and Endonasal Endoscopic Approaches.

Abstract

Background: Tuberculum sellae (TS) meningioma is one of the most frequent meningiomas of the anterior skull base. Herein we perform a review of the literature concerning the preferred surgical approaches to TS meningiomas; in addition, we describe two explicative cases, operated on by our group using different approaches, with the aim to critically revise surgical indications and contraindications.

Methods: In October 2021, two female patients with tuberculum sellae meningioma were treated at the Policlinico Gemelli of Rome. The patients presented with visual deterioration. Surgery was performed using the fronto-temporal approach and transsphenoidal approach. The visual function before and after surgery was evaluated as the main outcome parameter of the surgical treatment of these tumors.

Conclusions: Tuberculum sellae meningioma can be safely resected using the transcranial approach and the transsphenoidal endoscopic approach with preservation and even improvement of visual function after surgery. The relationship of the tumor with the optic nerves, optic canal, and anterior cerebral artery complex are important issues that have to be considered when dealing with tuberculum sellae meningioma. Both transcranial and endonasal approaches, in experienced hands, can allow complete resection of the lesion.