Introduction: Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder that predisposes
individuals to various types of nervous system tumors. Intracranial meningiomas happen
in over 50% of NF2 patients and are the second most common tumors in this patient
population. In NF2 patients, meningiomas are often watched carefully. However, in
symptomatic or rapidly growing meningiomas, surgery or radiation is often employed.
In literature, there is still a paucity of functional outcomes in NF2 patients who
undergo these treatment strategies for meningioma.
Objective: To report the functional outcomes in NF2 patients after meningioma treatment, either
through surgery or radiation.
Methods: We identified meningiomas in NF2 patients that were treated surgically or with radiation
at our institution between 2000 and 2019. Demographic data such as age at treatment,
gender, and race were collected. Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) scores collected
pre- and posttreatment (3 months and 1 year) were assessed for each meningioma. The
primary outcome for this study is functional outcome which was assessed using KPS
scores at 1-year posttreatment. Multivariable linear regression was conducted to assess
the independent predictors of 1-year post-treatment KPS scores using an α of 0.05.
Results: A total of 59 meningiomas were included in this analysis. There was no difference
in mean KPS score pre-treatment compared with 3 months after treatment. (p = 0.51) and 1 year after treatment (p = 0.29). Preoperative KPS was directly correlated with KPS score 1 year after treatment.
Male patients were more likely to have lower KPS scores 1 year after treatment.
Conclusion: In this study, we found no significant difference in functional outcomes (KPS scores)
3 months or 1 year after treatment compared with the pretreatment period. Male sex
was associated with poorer functional outcomes 1 year after treatment. Preoperative
KPS was predictive of KPS scores 1 year after treatment.
