4.3 Review

Analysis of vestibular schwannoma size: A literature review on consistency with measurement techniques

Journal

CLINICAL NEUROLOGY AND NEUROSURGERY
Volume 138, Issue -, Pages 72-77

Publisher

ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV
DOI: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2015.08.003

Keywords

Vestibular schwannoma; Acoustic neuroma; Tumor size; Linear measurement; Volumetric measurement

Ask authors/readers for more resources

Introduction: Vestibular schwannoma (VS) tumor size, a significant prognostic indicator, is closely analyzed in patients undergoing observation or treatment. It has historically been reported in terms of linear size; however, volumetric assessments can now be performed routinely. We examine the use of described measurement techniques in large published clinical series to assess their consistency. Methods: Computerized searches of the MEDLINE database (Pubmed) from 1975 to August 2014 were conducted with the purpose of identifying large series describing the management of VSs. Articles that reported tumor size measurements were included if they described greater than 600 patients. Results: 19 studies were found fitting the inclusion criteria, consisting of large retrospective studies with sample sizes ranging from 614 to 2991. A total of 17 studies reported linear measurements, while 2 studies reported volumetric assessments of tumor size. Significant variations were found regarding methods for linear measurement. Furthermore, several papers did not provide any details regarding the measurement technique. Inclusion of intracanalicular portions of the tumor was highly variable. Volume assessments were performed by segmented volume analysis. Conclusions: Among the large published series on VSs, significant variation exists regarding the utilized measurement technique to assess size. Volumetric assessments have the greatest clinical utility, sensitivity and accuracy in measuring tumor size and growth. Standardization of volume assessments will provide the best method for producing consistent literature findings. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Authors

I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.

Reviews

Primary Rating

4.3
Not enough ratings

Secondary Ratings

Novelty
-
Significance
-
Scientific rigor
-
Rate this paper

Recommended

No Data Available
No Data Available