Evaluation of the Postoperative Motor Function for Metastatic Brain Tumors Around the Motor Cortex

운동중추 주변에 위치한 전이성 뇌종양의 수술 후 운동 기능에 대한 평가

Objective : Intracranial metastasis is responsible for nearly 50% of mortalities of systemic cancers. Although its frequency is increasing and there is little doubt that improving the quality and expectancy of life is the final goal, the mode of treatment is still disputed. The authors report the postoperative motor function after surgery in patients with metastatic tumors around the motor cortex. Materials and Methods : We studied 24 patients with metastatic tumors around the central sulcus during the last 22 months. Motor function was assessed pre- and post-operatively as well as its response to corticosteroids. MRI, neuronavigation system and intraoperative ultrasonography were used for tumor localization and functional MRI and cortical stimulator were used to define the motor cortex. Results : Single metastasis was found in 13 cases(54%) and 11 cases(44%) had multiple foci. Thirteen cases were located in precentral, 7 in postcentral, and 4 in superior or middle-frontal lobe. The most common primary focus was the lung(16 cases). There was no difference in postoperative motor function improvement between the steroid responsive group and non-responsive group(92% versus 90%). Ninty-two percent of the patients showed significant improvement of motor function and lived independently but there was worsening in the upper extremity in one and in another no improvement. Whole brain radiation of 3000cGy was given in all cases and 4 patients died of recurrence in primary or intracranial focus during mean follow-up periods of 14 monthes. Conclusion : Surgery may provide substantial improvement of the motor function and quality of life of the patients with metastatic tumors around the motor cortex.