Radiation-induced meningiomas involving the orbit.

PURPOSE: To review the clinical features and outcomes of patients with radiation-induced meningiomas involving the orbit.

DESIGN

Retrospective case series.

PARTICIPANTS

Eight patients with radiation-induced meningiomas affecting the orbit.

METHODS

Clinical and pathologic data of the patients were reviewed.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Age at diagnosis, mean interval between radiation therapy and meningioma diagnosis, tumor recurrence, histologic atypia, and mean follow-up time after initial diagnosis.

RESULTS

The mean age at diagnosis was 42 years (range, 21 years to 70 years). The mean interval between radiation therapy and meningioma diagnosis was 26 years (range, 3 years to 54 years). All patients underwent gross total resection or subtotal resection of the meningioma. Five tumors (62.5%) recurred, based on clinical findings and CT imaging. The mean interval between resection of the meningioma and recurrence was 3 years (range, 9 months to 9 years). Three patients (37.5%) had atypical meningiomas. One patient (12.5%) had multiple tumors. The mean follow-up interval was 7 years after initial diagnosis of the meningioma (range, 15 months to 19 years).

CONCLUSIONS

This series of radiation-induced meningiomas, the first in the ophthalmic literature, illustrates the aggressive nature of this tumor.