BACKGROUND

Planar hyperostotic meningiomas account for 2—9% of intracranial meningiomas. They are characterized by planar node following the contours of the inner surface of the skull. Hyperostosis is present in most cases. Timely diagnosis of skull base tumors is usually simple due to early involvement of the cranial nerves. However, convexity meningiomas en plaque usually reach large dimensions that complicates surgery and radiotherapy.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the current state of diagnosis, molecular biology and surgical treatment of hyperostotic meningiomas en plaque.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A systematic review was performed in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Searching for literature data included the following keywords: «planar meningioma», «hyperostotic meningioma», «meningioma en plaque», «infiltrative meningioma». We reviewed the PubMed and Google Scholar databases until May 2023 and enrolled only full-text Russian-, English- or French-language reports.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Among primary 332 reports, 35 references met the inclusion criteria. We found less severity or absence of focal neurological symptoms, comparable incidence of intracranial hypertension and no histological differences between planar and nodular meningiomas. Analysis of molecular biological features of planar meningiomas, including cell cultures, is feasible. There is no consensus regarding surgical treatment and radiotherapy. Most publications are case reports.

CONCLUSION

The results of treatment of planar hyperostotic meningiomas, especially large and giant ones, are unsatisfactory. There is no a generally accepted algorithm for treating patients in the literature. This problem requires further research.