Background: Removal of skull-base meningiomas is challenging, and besides deficits, life quality
and cognition were put into the limelight. Methods: In this prospective study 58 patients underwent neurological examination and neuropsychological
testing at three time-points before (1 day) and after surgery (3 and 12 months). For
neuropsychological assessments different tests were used: EORTC questionnaire (life-quality),
HADS scale (depression), VLML test (memory, learning), and the TMT-A/B test (attention,
executive functioning, cognitive speed). For statistical analyses the Qui-quadrate
test, the Wilcoxon test, and the Pearson correlation were exerted. Results: Overall 58 patients were included. Tumors were located predominately in the frontal
cavity (n = 31) and had an average size of 38 × 32 mm. On admission, 51 patients had cranial
nerve deficits. Since tumor infiltration into vessels, the cavernous sinus or the
osseous skull base, in nine patients tumor resections remained subtotal. Three months
after surgery, in five patients deterioration of symptoms persisted. In the neuropsychological
testing there was no correlation between life quality and symptoms, postoperative
deficits, tumor size or location, and age. Tumor size and age, however, showed significant
negative effects on cognitive abilities after surgery expressed by the TMT, VLMT,
recognition, and figurative memory (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Tumor size and age of patients with skull-base meningiomas affect cognitive abilities
after surgery.
