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 notes and imaging studies, requests were assessed with reference to the indications for imaging radiological findings and effect on patient management. Patients were divided into three groups: 34 who had undergone a macroscopically complete resection, 18 with known residual tumour, and eight in whom surgery was not performed. These 60 patients underwent a total of 165 CT and 11 MRI studies. In the complete resection group only two patients developed a recurrence, both having highly suggestive symptoms or signs. It is concluded that routine imaging is not indicated in asymptomatic patients after complete tumour clearance. Both CT and MRI contribute to patient management in those with residual disease, MRI probably being the imaging method of choice.