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Original Article
Natural history of incidental world health organization grade II gliomas
Article first published online: 28 OCT 2010
DOI: 10.1002/ana.22106
Copyright © 2010 American Neurological Association
Additional Information
How to Cite
Pallud, J., Fontaine, D., Duffau, H., Mandonnet, E., Sanai, N., Taillandier, L., Peruzzi, P., Guillevin, R., Bauchet, L., Bernier, V., Baron, M.-H., Guyotat, J. and Capelle, L. (2010), Natural history of incidental world health organization grade II gliomas. Ann Neurol., 68: 727–733. doi: 10.1002/ana.22106
Publication History
- Issue published online: 28 OCT 2010
- Article first published online: 28 OCT 2010
- Manuscript Accepted: 17 MAY 2010
- Manuscript Revised: 1 MAY 2010
- Manuscript Received: 19 DEC 2009
- Abstract
- Article
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- Cited By
Abstract
Objective:
Seizure is the presenting symptom in most of World Health Organization grade II gliomas (GIIGs). Rarely, a GIIG is discovered incidentally on imaging. Little is known about the natural course and prognosis of incidental GIIGs. The aim of the present study is to characterize their natural history and to investigate whether their clinical and radiological behaviors differ from those of symptomatic GIIGs.
Methods:
The clinical and radiological findings, treatments, and outcomes of 47 histologically-proven incidental GIIGs were compared with those of 1249 symptomatic GIIGs.
Results:
Incidental GIIGs differ significantly from symptomatic GIIGs: they have a female predominance (p = 0.05), smaller initial tumor volumes (p < 0.001), lower incidence of contrast enhancement (p = 0.009), and are more likely to undergo gross total surgical removal (p < 0.001). Proliferation rates were similar to that observed among symptomatic GIIGs. Younger age at the time of discovery, frontal lobes, and noneloquent brain regions were associated with incidental GIIGs, as compared to their symptomatic counterparts. When not treated, incidental GIIGs demonstrated radiological growth (median velocity of diametric expansion at 3.5 mm/year), and became symptomatic at a median interval of 48 months after radiological discovery. Overall, incidental discovery was associated with a significant survival benefit (p = 0.04).
Interpretation:
Incidental GIIGs are progressive tumors leading to clinical transformation toward symptomatic GIIGs. They may represent an earlier step in the natural history of a glioma than the symptomatic GIIGs. ANN NEUROL 2010;68:727–733