Preoperative Radiographic Features Independently Predict High Blood Loss During Intracranial Meningioma Resection: A Case-Control Study

Background: Surgical resection of intracranial meningioma carries the risk of several complications, including intraoperative blood loss. The objective of this study was to investigate preoperative clinical and radiographic factors predictive of intraoperative estimated blood loss (EBL).

Methods: This case-control study evaluated EBL for all adults who underwent intracranial meningioma resection from January, 2010 to December, 2021 at our institution. Fifty cases of high EBL (i.e., ≥500 mL) and 75 instances of low EBL (i.e., <500 mL) were randomly selected. Patients were excluded if they had a recurrent meningioma, preoperative embolization, or lack of imaging data. A multivariable logistic regression model of high EBL likelihood was created.

Results: A total of 92 patients met eligibility criteria, with 48 (52%) cases of high EBL. Bivariable analyses identified maximal tumor diameter, intratumoral flow voids, skull base location, and dural venous sinus invasion as potential predictors of high EBL. Multivariable regression found intratumoral flow voids (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 5.68 [1.52-21.23], P = 0.009), maximal tumor diameter (aOR = 1.58 [1.11-2.25] per 1-cm increase, P = 0.01), and skull base location (aOR = 3.35 [1.19-9.41], P = 0.02) to be independent predictors of high EBL.

Conclusions: Intratumoral flow voids, larger maximal tumor diameter, and skull base location were independently predictive of EBL ≥500 mL. Intratumoral flow void presence was the strongest predictor, with 5.68 times the odds of high EBL. Each 1-cm increase in tumor diameter had 58% greater odds of high EBL. Skull base location was associated with 3.35 times the odds of high EBL. These results can inform preoperative patient counseling and blood management preparation.