Background: Image-guided and temperature-controlled radiofrequency thermal ablation techniques were applied to reduce tumor volume and relieve the symptoms caused by extracranial extension of recurrent meningioma.
Method: We treated two patients with recurrent meningioma, an 81-year-old woman presenting with bulging of the temple and a 68-year-old woman presenting with visual disturbance, facial disfigurement, and sensory disturbance. Neuroimaging in both patients, revealed a large tumor extending extracranially and involving the infratemporal fossa. To avoid injury to important anatomical structures either compressed or entrapped by the tumor, the spatial relation between the planned ablation volume and these structures was confirmed by 3-D reconstruction of the ablation target. During the ablation procedure, local temperatures over the tissue being cauterized were continuously monitored to limit the ablation area to that within the planned volume adjusting RF power.
Finding: Radiofrequency ablation produced tumor necrosis as planned without adverse effects and resulted in swift relief of symptoms and signs with shrinkage of the tumor.
Conclusion: This technique may be an effective alternative for recurrent meningiomas extending extracranially and for which radical surgical procedures are not indicated.