THE ROLE OF IMAGING IN THE FOLLOW-UP OF MENINGIOMAS

A retrospective study of 60 patients with meningiomas was conducted to evaluate the role of imaging in postoperative follow up. Using case n otes and imaging studies, requests were assessed with reference to the indications for imaging radiological findings and effect on patient m anagement. Patients were divided into three groups: 34 who had undergo ne a macroscopically complete resection, 18 with known residual tumour , and eight in whom surgery was not performed. These 60 patients under went a total of 165 CT and 11 MRI studies. In the complete resection g roup only two patients developed a recurrence, both having highly sugg estive symptoms or signs. It is concluded that routine imaging is not indicated in asymptomatic patients after complete tumour clearance. Bo th CT and MRI contribute to patient management in those with residual disease, MRI probably being the imaging method of choice.