Most of the previously published surgical series of suprasellar meningiomas have two disadvantages: (1) patients involved were treated within a relatively long time period, making analysis more difficult, (2) radiographic long term follow-up examinations with either CT- or MRI-scans were not performed. Both disadvantages were overcome in our retrospective clinical study, consisting of 50 consecutive patients with suprasellar meningiomas treated between 1982 and 1991. Radiological, ophthalmological, and neurological investigations were performed preoperatively, postoperatively and at long term follow-up (mean: 5.7 years). A radiologically confirmed radical tumour removal could be achieved in 84% of patients. Both, the peri-operative mortality (2%) and serious operative morbidity (6%) were low. However, 12% of patients developed late onset epilepsy. At long term follow-up, visual function was improved in 67%, unchanged in 9% and worsened in 24%. In more than 50% of patients the vision showed recovery over a longer time period than the first 10 days after operation. Radiographic control examinations revealed tumour recurrences in 2 patients (both asymptomatic) and progress of residual tumour in 5 patients (2 symptomatic, 3 asymptomatic). Since introduction of modern neurosurgery, a clear improvement in the surgical treatment of suprasellar meningiomas can be observed. However, the still long delay in diagnosing these tumours correctly prevents a further improvement of the ophthalmological results at long-term follow-up. Due to a relatively high rate of late onset epilepsy, anticonvulsive prophylaxis for 6 months seems to be justified. Regarding present preoperative diagnostic measures, ia-DSA seems only be indicated in patients with CT/MRI-scans, suspicious for tumourous narrowing or invasion of major cerebral arteries. In addition, we recommend radiographic control examinations at regular time intervals to confirm radical tumour removal and to detect the "ideal" point of time for renewed treatment.

Background and study aims  Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided drainage is a well-established procedure for peripancreatic fluid collections (PFC) that develop in the context of acute pancreatitis or following pancreatic surgery. Malignant ascites can occur in a loculated form resembling PFC causing a variety of symptoms, with limited treatment options. There is a paucity of data about application of EUS-guided drainage for these kinds of fluid collections. So far, only one report exists describing clinical success in three cases, using fully-covered self-expanding metal stents (FCSEMS). FCSEMS, however, have possible drawbacks, particularly if they have to remain in place for an indeterminate period of time. Herein, we describe EUS-guided drainage of loculated malignant ascites using double-pigtail plastic stents in two patients severely symptomatic from esophagogastric obstruction symptoms. Technical and clinical success was achieved in both cases without clinically significant complications including one case, where ongoing symptom control could be observed after 6 months of follow-up.

The commonly very late diagnosis of suprasellar meningioma as cause of visual loss is an international problem and is presumably due to the low incidence of the tumour (1-2 cases per 1 mill. population per year). If long-term results are to be improved, primary care doctors must be made aware of the differential diagnosis of visual loss caused by pressure from a tumour.