Étude prospective longitudinale sur l’évolution de la mémoire autobiographique de patients irradiés pour une tumeur bénigne de la base du crâne

Abstract

Purpose

Cranial irradiation can lead to long-term neurological complications, in particular memory disorders. The aim of this prospective study is to evaluate the impact of irradiation of benign skull base tumours located near the hippocampi on autobiographical memory.

Patients and methods

From 2016 to 2019, patients with cavernous sinus meningioma or pituitary adenoma treated with normofractionated irradiation were included. Patients underwent full neuropsychological assessment at baseline, 1 year and 2 years post-treatment. Neuropsychological tests were converted to Z-Score for comparability.

Results

Twelve of the 19 patients included had a complete neuropsychological evaluation at 2 years and were analysed. On the “TEMPau” test, no significant difference in autobiographical memory was found at 2 years, regardless of the period of autobiographical memory. The mean hippocampal dose had no impact on the variation in autobiographical memory. There was no significant cognitive impairment in the other domains assessed, such as attention, anterograde memory, working memory and executive functions. Autobiographical memory was independent of these other cognitive domains, which justifies its specific study.

Conclusion

Radiotherapy to the skull base for a benign pathology does not lead to significant cognitive impairment. Longer follow-up would be needed to confirm these results.