BACKGROUND: The sphenoid wing dural arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is rare, and can manifest with severe symptoms, particularly in cases classified as greater sphenoid wing type. Endovascular therapy is generally employed, however, open surgical intervention could be warranted in cases with complex fistula.
METHODS: We present a case with ruptured greater sphenoid wing dural AVF (Cognard type IV), in which endovascular embolization using liquid material was performed, followed by open surgery to concurrently disconnect the fistula and evacuate the hematoma.
CONCLUSIONS: The sphenoid wing dural AVFs may be effectively cured by open surgery for fistula disconnection in conjunction with endovascular embolization.

Surgery stands as the primary treatment for spheno-orbital meningiomas, following a symptoms-oriented approach. We discussed the decision-making process behind surgical strategies through a review of medical records from 80 patients who underwent surgical resection at the University of Naples Federico II. Different surgical approaches were employed based on the tumor\'s location relative to the optic nerve\'s long axis, categorized into lateral (type I), medial (type II), and diffuse (type III). We examined clinical, neuroradiological, surgical, pathological, and outcome factors. Proptosis emerged as the most frequent symptom (97%), followed by visual impairment (59%) and ocular motility issues (35%). Type I represented 20%, type II 43%, and type III 17%. Growth primarily affected the optic canal (74%), superior orbital fissure (65%), anterior clinoid (60%), and orbital apex (59%). The resection outcomes varied, with Simpson grades I and II achieved in all type I cases, 67.5% of type II, and 18% of type III. Recurrence rates were highest in type II (41.8%) and type III (59%). Improvement was notable in proptosis (68%) and visual function (51%, predominantly type I). Surgery for spheno-orbital meningiomas should be tailored to each patient, considering individual characteristics and tumor features to improve quality of life by addressing primary symptoms like proptosis and visual deficits.

UNASSIGNED: To report our experience with patient specific implants for one-step orbit reconstruction following hyperostotic SWM removal and to describe the evolution of the technique through three surgical cases. Methods: Three cases of one-step SWM removal and orbit reconstruction are described. All cases are given consecutively to describe the evolution of the technique. Hyperostotic bone resection was facilitated by electromagnetic navigation and cutting guides (templates). Based on a 3D model, silicone molds were made using CAD/CAM. Then PMMA implant was fabricated from these molds. The implant was adjusted and fixed to the cranium with titanium screws after tumor removal. Results: Following steps of the procedure changed over these series: hyperostotic bone resection, implant thickness control, implant overlay features, anatomic adjustments, implant fixation. The proptosis resolved in all cases. In one patient the progressive visual acuity deterioration was recognized during the follow-up. No oculomotor disturbances and no tumor regrowth were found at the follow-up.
UNASSIGNED: CAD/CAM technologies enable creation of implants of any size and configuration, and thereby, to increase the extent of bony resection and lower the risk of tumor progression. The procedure is performed in one step which decreases the risk of postoperative morbidity.

Non-cavernous sinus (CS) dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) involving the sphenoid bone are rare entities that are easily confused with one another due to the complex structure and high variability of the venous system around the middle cranial fossa. We present a large retrospective study on middle cranial fossa non-CS DAVFs and review the literature on DAVF treatment in this location as well as relative anatomy. 15 patients had DAVFs involving the lesser sphenoid wing and 11 patients had DAVFs involving the greater sphenoid wing. Six patients presented with intracranial hemorrhage or subarachnoid hemorrhage (23.1%, 6/26). The most common symptoms were eye symptoms (38.5%, 10/26). Nineteen patients were treated with trans-arterial embolization (TAE) using liquid embolic agents and two patients were treated with transvenous embolization (TVE) using Onyx or in combination with coils. Surgical disconnection of the drainage veins was performed in five patients, with three cases experiencing unsuccessful TAE. Anatomic cure was achieved in 92.3% of the patients (24/26). Twelve patients had DSA and clinical follow-up from 3 to 27 months. There was one recurrence (8.3%) of the fistula in the patient two months after the initial complete occlusion. The majority of patients can be cured endovascularly. Laterocavernous sinus DAVFs may not be embolized by transvenous approach via the cavernous sinus because there is often no connection between them in most patients. A small percentage of patients may require surgical ligation to be cured.

Skull base meningiomas are among the most challenging meningiomas to treat clinically due to their deep location, involvement or encasement of adjacent essential neurovascular structures (such as key arteries, cranial nerves, veins, and venous sinuses), and their often-large size prior to diagnosis. Although multimodal treatment strategies continue to evolve with advances in stereotactic and fractionated radiotherapy, surgical resection remains the mainstay of treatment for these tumors. Resection of these tumors however is challenging from a technical standpoint, and requires expertise in several skull-base surgical approaches that rely on adequate bony removal, minimization of brain retraction, and respect for nearby neurovascular structures. These skull base meningiomas originate from a variety of different structures including, but are not limited to: the clinoid processes, tuberculum sellae, dorsum sellae, sphenoid wing, petrous/petroclival area, falcotentorial region, cerebellopontine angle, and foramen magnum. In this chapter, we will cover the common anatomical areas in the skull base from which these tumors arise, and the specific or optimal surgical approaches and other treatment modalities for meningiomas in these such locations.

We present a-49-year old female presenting headache and progressive right eye visual loss in the last 6 months. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a large clinoidal meningioma on the right side, invading the superior, lateral and medial aspects of the cavernous sinus, the optic canal, and the clinoidal segment of the internal carotid artery (ICA). A cranio-orbital approach was performed. The anterior clinoid process was removed extradurally to achieve devascularization of the anterior clinoidal meningioma, followed by the peeling of the middle fossa to decompress V2 and open the superior orbital fissure. We open the dura in a standard fronto-temporal flap to access the lower portion of the skull base allowing retractorless dissection. We complete the removal of the anterior clinoid process and optic strut through an intradural approach. It allows safer dissection of the clinoidal segment of the ICA and avoids its injury by adherent and hard consistency tumor. Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring, sharp dissection, and avoiding the use of bipolar coagulation when dissecting the cavernous sinus are essential to minimize the risk of cranial nerve injury. We also like to point that cranial nerve deficit caused by surgical manipulation without primary lesion of the nerve can be recovered postoperatively. The link to the video can be found at: https://youtu.be/ozUCsnUGxyM .

Sphenoid wing meningiomas with cavernous sinus invasion (SWMCSI) are challenging tumors. The preservation of quality of life and cranial nerve function is one of the most relevant aspects of treating patients with SWMCSI.
A retrospective study was conducted for surgery performed between 2008 and 2021, including 36 patients presenting with SWMCSI. The data from surgical intervention, Simpson grade of resection, tumor location, and morbimortality related to the surgery was reviewed. We examined the medical records, operative reports, radiologic examinations, and follow-up information.
The group comprised 29 women and 7 men with an average age of 61 years (range, 31-87 years). The mean follow-up period was 75 months (range, 1-170 months). Simpson grade I and II resections were obtained in 80% of cases. The meningiomas were World Health Organization (WHO) grade 1 in 94% of cases, WHO grade 2 in 3%, and WHO grade 3 in 3%. The overall mortality was 5.5%. Permanent cranial nerve deficits occurred in 8% of cases, transient cranial nerve deficits in 22%, cerebrospinal fistula in 16.5%, and hemiparesis in 2.7%. The recurrence/regrowth rate was 14% during the follow-up period. The Karnofsky Performance Status 100 and 90 was 92%.
The surgical treatment of symptomatic SWMCSI is an effective treatment modality with low morbimortality and good long-term control of the disease. Visual impairment is the most common abnormality, affecting preoperative and postoperative quality of life of patients with SWMCSI. Training in the microsurgical laboratory is essential for safe surgical approaches in this area.

Background  Medial sphenoid wing meningiomas (MSWMs) account for approximately 20% of all meningiomas that are known for their critical relation to neurovasculture structures. Objective  The purpose of this study is to examine the relation between the maximum diameter of the MSWM medial to the anterior clinoidal line (AC line) and surgical outcome. Methods  This is a retrospective cohort study investigating all surgically resected MSWM cases at our institution over 10 years. The patients were divided into groups A and B based on the average ratio between the maximum medial extension of the MSWM from the AC line to the maximum diameter of the tumor, that is, value I = 0.42 (group A ≤ 0.42 and group B > 0.42). And into groups C and D based on the average medial extension of the tumor, that is, 14 mm (group C ≤ and D group D > 14 mm). These measurements were correlated with patients\' demographics, preoperative symptoms, and postoperative assessment. Results  Among 150 patients, 51patients had MSWM that fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Among them, 76.47% were females with a median age of 48 years (standard deviation [SD] = 47.75 ± 15.11). Also, 92% of the cases were World Health Organization (WHO) grade I. The follow-up period was 0.5 to 10 years. Among them, 40% of group C had gross total resection (GTR), whereas 43% in group D. In group B, 70% had GTR, whereas 48% had GTR in group A. None of the patients developed statistically significant postoperative complications. There is no statistically significant difference in the risk complication with medial extension in all groups. Conclusion  The degree of medial extension of MSWM from the AC line has no statistically significant correlation with major postoperative complications, extent of resection, or clinical outcome.

Background  En plaque meningiomas are a rare subtype of meningiomas that are frequently encountered in the spheno-orbital region. Characterized by a hyperostotic and dural invasive architecture, these tumors present unique diagnostic and treatment considerations. Objective  The authors conduct a narrative literature review of clinical reports of en plaque meningiomas to summarize the epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic criteria, and treatment considerations in treating en plaque meningiomas. Additionally, the authors present a case from their own experience to illustrate its complexity and unique features. Methods  A literature search was conducted using the MEDLINE database using the following terminology in various combinations: meningioma , meningeal neoplasms, en plaque , skull base , spheno-orbital, and sphenoid wing . Only literature published in English between 1938 and 2018 was reviewed. All case series were specifically reviewed for sufficient data on treatment outcomes, and all literature was analyzed for reports of misdiagnosed cases. Conclusion  En plaque meningiomas may present with a variety of symptoms according to their location and degree of bone invasion, requiring a careful diagnostic and treatment approach. While early and aggressive surgical resection is generally accepted as the optimal goal of treatment, these lesions require an individualized approach, with further investigation needed regarding the role of new therapies.

Meningiomas that arise from the dura along the sphenoid wing can occur in globoid or en plaque forms. Radiographically they can be defined as occurring in the medial, middle, or lateral portions of the sphenoid wing. The medial group carries the highest neurologic risk for surgical treatment, while the hyperostosing en plaque type is the most difficult to remove completely because of orbital and bone involvement. This chapter addresses the clinical presentation and surgical treatment of sphenoid wing meningiomas with an emphasis on the most recent results from the literature.