A retrospective study examining the early volumetric response of skull-base meningiomas after preoperative embolization.

Sakamoto, Hashimoto, Matsushima, Arai, Matsunaga, Kikuno, Kohno and colleagues analyzed 82 patients who underwent embolization before skull-base meningioma surgery.

Tumor volume decreased in most patients, with a mean reduction of 10.5% over an average interval of 4.1 days. Greater loss of intratumoral contrast enhancement on MRI was associated with greater volumetric reduction. Transient neurological deficits occurred in 4.9% of patients and permanent deficits in 2.4%.

Why it matters

This study provides practical imaging data on the short-term effects of preoperative embolization in skull-base meningiomas. It may help interpret post-embolization MRI changes and refine procedural planning, although it does not establish that volumetric reduction translates into lower blood loss, easier resection or better clinical outcomes.

Reference

Sakamoto H, Hashimoto T, Matsushima K, Arai Y, Matsunaga K, Kikuno M, Kohno M.
Prompt volumetric responses following preoperative embolization of skull base meningiomas: association with intratumoral contrast enhancement loss.
American Journal of Neuroradiology. Published October 2, 2026.
DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.A9661
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