Unique characteristics of pediatric sporadic vestibular schwannoma

OBJECTIVE: To investigate characteristics of pediatric sporadic (non-NF2) vestibular schwannoma (VS), we compare outcomes of sporadic adult-type vestibular schwannoma which were size- and location-matched cohort. STUDY DESIGN: Single-institution retrospective matched case-control study. METHODS: Pediatric patients (≤21 years) with sporadic unilateral VS and ≥ 15 months of follow-up were identified and each matched 1:2 to adult patients (>21 years) by tumor size and location. The primary outcome was tumor control (stable vs recurrence/regrowth requiring treatment). Outcomes within the pediatric cohort were further analyzed for age-related differences. RESULTS: Nine pediatric patients were matched to 18 adult controls. Baseline characteristics and presenting symptoms were similar. Gross total resection was achieved in 44% of children and 22% of adults (P = 0.071). Tumor control differed significantly: recurrence/regrowth occurred in 44% of children versus 6% of adults (P = 0.005). Within the pediatric group, patients with recurrence were younger (13.8 ± 2.8 vs 17.6 ± 2.6 years; P = 0.043). Using a 14-year cutoff, three of four recurrences (75%) occurred in children