Childhood meningiomas associated with meningioangiomatosis: report of five cases and literature review

Meningioangiomatosis is a unique, rare hamartomatous lesion. Meningiomas arising in the background of meningioangiomatosis are rare conditions which pathologically and radiologically mimic invasive meningiomas, but have a benign clinical course in children and young adults. In this study, five such cases are reported. To our knowledge, this is the largest reported collection of meningiomas associated with meningioangiomatosis. Less immunoreactivity for progesterone receptor and high Ki-67 labelling index are generally known to be associated with invasive meningiomas. However, high expression of progesterone receptor and low Ki-67 labelling index in the present cases supports the idea that brain invasion is not an indicator of malignancy but an independent finding associated with meningiomas which have arisen from meningioangiomatosis. We emphasize the good prognosis of such tumours and discuss pathogenesis of meningiomas with meningioangiomatosis.     

Ossified thoracic spinal meningioma in childhood: A case report and review of the literature

Spinal ossified meningiomas are extremely rare. This is a report of a study on a 15-year-old boy with thoracic spinal ossified meningioma. The meningioma was resected totally. Histopathological examination revealed a transitional meningioma (psammomatous+meningothelial). Immunohistochemically, Ki 67 antibody was applied but no positive staining was present. The surgical and pathological aspects of spinal ossified meningiomas were reviewed.     

Intraventricular metaplastic meningioma in a child: case report and review of the literature

Childhood meningiomas are rare and display important differences from adult forms. We report the first case of an intraventricular metaplastic meningioma arising in a child. A 7‐year‐old female underwent resection of an enhancing tumor arising within the left lateral ventricle. It was composed of monomorphic cells embedded within an abundant myxoid stroma. The cells demonstrated epithelial membrane antigen and vimentin immunoreactivity. Ultrastructural analysis demonstrated intermediate filaments, complex intercellular interdigitations and desmosomes, and a diagnosis of myxoid (metaplastic) meningioma was rendered. This case reflects the higher incidence of intraventricular meningiomas in childhood and greater incidence of intraventricular meningiomas in the left lateral ventricle. Recognition of the grade I myxoid meningioma in this case is paramount since chordoid meningiomas, which share similar histologic features, are of a higher grade and worse prognosis.     

Hemifacial spasm as clinical presentation of intracranial meningiomas. Report of three cases and review of the literature

Hemifacial spasm (HFS) is a clinical entity consisting of brief clonic jerking movements of the facial musculature, beginning in the orbicularis oculi with downward spreading to other facial muscles. Apart from vascular loop compression at the root exit zone of the facial nerve, other causes of HFS are rare. It is exceptional as a form of presentation of intracranial meningiomas We report three cases of patients with meningiomas who presented with HFS, either as an isolated sign or associated with symptoms of rise intracranial pressure or focal deficit. We review the literature and discuss the possible physiopathological mechanisms responsible for this association.     

Minimally invasive decompression in patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis associated with lumbar spinal stenosis. Report of a surgical series and review of the literature

We reported the results of minimally invasive spinal decompression (MISD) in patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS) associated with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) and performed a literature review in order to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes, the complications and reoperation rate of MISD procedures in these patients.Data of 28 patients submitted to MISD for DS associated to LSS were reviewed. We evaluated the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) both for low back pain (LBP) and legs pain, the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and the degree of the slippage. A PubMed search of the English literature was conducted. Only papers with more than 10 patients and reporting explicitly data of patients with DS were included in the analysis. We found a statistically significant improvement of LBP, legs pain and ODI in our series. The degree of slippage was stable at follow-up (FU) with no need of reoperation. No major complications occurred. In our literature review, we were able to analyze the differences in ODI in 156 patients and the differences in Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score in 218 patients. We observed a statistically significant improvement of ODI and JOA score at FU compared to pre-operative. The percentage of slippage, evaluated in 283 patients, was unchanged at FU compared to pre-operative. The overall complication rate was 1.6%. The overall reoperation rate was 4.5%.MISD procedures are safe and effective in patients with DS associated to LSS and are associated to low morbidity and significant improvement of disability without progression of slippage.     

Multiple meningiomas: case report and review of the literature.

A case of a 69 year old woman with multiple meningiomas is presented. Since her first presentation with Jacksonian seizures in 1978, she has had 16 meningiomas excised in seven separate surgical procedures. This is extremely unusual due to both the large number of tumours, and the long period over which they have occurred. We review the epidemiology, possible pathogenesis and genetic associations of this condition.     

Primary intracranial leiomyomas: Report of two cases and review of the literature

A leiomyoma is a benign neoplasm composed of smooth muscle cells that commonly occurs in the genitourinary and gastrointestinal tracts. Primary intracranial leiomyoma, however, is extremely rare and only a few cases have been reported to date. In this study, we present two cases of primary intracranial leiomyomas in middle-aged men. Magnetic resonance images (MRI) showed lesions with homogeneous low signals on T1-, T2-, diffusion-weighted, and FLAIR sequences. Tumors were totally removed and there was no evidence of recurrence in the follow-up study. Pathological analysis with immunohistochemistry revealed that tumors had characteristics of benign smooth muscles. A review of relevant literature has been conducted.     

Meningiomas associated with hemorrhage: A report of two cases with a review of the literature

Two cases of extensive spontaneous hemorrhage related to intracranial angioblastic meningiomas are reported. One of these also had glandular and papillary formations with mucin production. A review of 115 meningiomas with significant hemorrhage including the two current instances disclosed that they occurred in the first to ninth decades of life but were most common in the fourth to eighth decades (85%), with a peak occurrence in the fifth decade (24%). The average age of 51 years was 9 years more than in those patients with non-bleeding meningiomas. The female- to-male ratio was 6:5 for the entire series. Bleeding meningiomas arose most often on the cerebral convexity followed by the parasagittal region, the lateral ventricle, and the sphenoid ridge. Bleeding most frequently involved multiple sites, and was followed in decreasing frequency by hemorrhage into the subarachnoid space, subdural space, intracerebral tissue including the peritumoral region, and intratumoral substance. Meningocytic menin-gioma was the most common type of bleeding meningioma, followed in decreasing frequency by the angioblastic, fibroblastic, transitional and malignant types. The mech-anism of bleeding was uncertain in many cases, and multiple factors are probably involved. Patients with bleeding meningiomas had worse prognoses than those with non-bleeding meningiomas.     

Radiation-induced tumours of meninges. Report on eight cases and review of the literature

Background and purposeDespite their rarity, post-radiation meningeal tumours seem to be a growing problem due to the increasing application of radiation therapy. The aim of the study was to ascertain the specific features of these tumours.Material and methodsAmong 433 intracranial meningeal tumours treated from 2000 to 2008, eight cases (2%) have been presumed to be associated with high-dose therapeutic radiation for previous neoplasm of the head (7) or neck (1). On average, tumours were diagnosed 24 years after irradiation. All patients had a solitary meningeal tumour, but two of them also developed other neoplasms in the irradiated area.ResultsAll tumours were microsurgically removed. The postoperative course was uncomplicated in two cases only. In the remaining 6 (75%), complications included liquorrhoea (2), brain oedema (1), venous thrombosis (1), bleeding into the tumour bed (1) and focal deficit due to manipulation (3). Most tumours (5) were WHO grade I meningiomas. These benign meningiomas exhibited some peculiar histological features, including focal increase of cellularity, focal enhancement of proliferation index, pleomorphism of nuclei, occasional mitotic figures and, in one case, evidence of brain invasion. One meningioma was assigned to WHO grade II, one to WHO grade III and one appeared to be meningeal fibrosarcoma. The event-free survival and overall survival rate at 4.4 years of follow-up were 63% and 75%, respectively.ConclusionsRadiation-induced tumours of the meninges show certain characteristic histopathological features, which may promote invasiveness of the tumour and higher risk of malignancy.     

Gluteal compartment syndrome with neurologic impairment: Report of 2 cases and review of the literature

Introduction: We describe two patients who developed gluteal compartment syndrome (GCS) in the context of drug overdose. One patient developed a sciatic neuropathy, and one patient developed a lumbosacral plexopathy. Methods: We reviewed the literature of atraumatic GCS and resultant neurological impairment. Results: We reviewed 26 cases (our two cases and 24 previously published cases) of GCS and neurological impairment. All patients developed GCS in the context of drug or alcohol overdose. Creatine kinase was markedly elevated in all patients in which it was tested, and most patients developed renal failure. Seventeen patients had a fasciotomy, and 9 patients were managed conservatively. There appeared to be a trend toward worse prognosis in the conservatively managed group. Discussion: Neurologists should be aware of GCS. Immediate recognition facilitates consideration of further diagnostic testing, including intracompartmental pressure measurement and consideration of surgical decompression, which may influence outcome. Muscle Nerve, 57 : 325–330, 2018     

Anaplastic meningioma in an adolescent: a report of a rare case and brief review of literature

Objective  Anaplastic meningioma is an uncommon neoplasm in childhood and adolescence. Due to the rarity, treatment options for anaplastic meningioma in this age group are not clearly outlined. Case  A 15-year-old boy presented with a left forehead swelling with a history of a left frontal tumor. Radiological investigations revealed a dura-based tumor with a large extracranial and a smaller intracranial component. Craniotomy with near-total excision of the tumor was performed. Histopathological examination of the tumor showed features of an anaplastic meningioma. The patient is currently receiving radiotherapy and chemotherapy. However, he has developed scalp swellings while on radiotherapy. Conclusion  Anaplastic meningioma is extremely rare in children. Extensive sampling is required to recognize the meningothelial nature of the tumor and immunohistochemistry helps in making an accurate diagnosis in such cases. Therapeutic interventions in such cases need to be closely monitored due to the aggressive behavior of this tumor.     

Clinical, radiological, and therapeutic features of pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma: report of three patients and review of the literature.

Two out of three patients with pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma were initially misdiagnosed and correctly interpreted only at tumour recurrence, with progression to malignancy in one. The third patient presented with a remarkably long history of epilepsy. Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma is a low grade astrocytoma that is still confused with other tumours. Because pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma can become malignant even after many years of benign behaviour, a long term follow up is necessary.     

Pediatric meningiomas: a single-center experience with 15 consecutive cases and review of the literature

Objective

The goal of this study was to determine the epidemiology, clinical presentation, associated factors, pathological features, and treatment outcome of pediatric meningiomas in a single-center institution.

Methods

Clinical data of 15 patients under 18?years of age operated on for meningiomas from January 1994 to December 2010 were reviewed.

Results

The study group included nine males and six females (mean age of 13?years at surgery). The most common symptoms at presentation were headaches in 6 out of 15 (40?%), raised intracranial pressure in 3 out of 15 (20?%), and seizures in 3 out of 15 (20?%). Sole operated tumors were found in 12 out of 15 (80?%), whose location is as follows: parasagittal in 4 out of 12 (33.3?%), 2 in the convexity (16.6?%), 2 at the skull base (16.6?%), and 4 in other sites (33.3?%). Six children presented with radiation-induced (RT) meningiomas and five had evidence of neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2). Three patients had multiple meningiomas (all of them had NF2). Simpson’s grade I excision was achieved in 12 out of 15 (80?%). On histopathology, 11 out of 15 (73.3?%) were grade I and 4 out of 15 (26.6?%) were grade II (all of them atypical). Five tumors (33.3?%) recurred, four of which had RT or NF2. During the mean follow-up period of 5?years, 12 out of 15 (80?%) had a good outcome (GOS?=?5).

Conclusions

Childhood meningiomas are uncommon lesions with a slight male predominance. Absence of large series with long follow-up precludes any definite conclusions on the clinical course and outcome of these tumors. Associated factors (such as RT and NF2), location, and extent of excision appear to be more important than histopathological grade in predicting outcome.     

Bilateral traumatic extradural haematomas: report of 12 cases with a review of the literature.

We are reporting 12 cases of traumatic bilateral extradural haematomas. The incidence was 4.8% of all cases of extradural haematomas. The most common site was the frontal region. CT scan examination was necessary for early diagnosis. Ten patients were operated upon while one patient was treated conservatively. Two patients died. The relevant literature is reviewed.     

Bilateral hemifacial spasm: a report of five cases and a literature review.

We describe five patients with bilateral hemifacial spasm evaluated in a Movement Disorders Clinic to illustrate the clinical characteristics and to draw attention to the differential diagnosis of this condition. All patients had unilateral onset followed by bilateral, asymmetric, and asynchronous facial contractions. The mean age of the patients (4 women and 1 man) was 70.6 years (range, 54-81 yrs), and the mean duration of symptoms was 17 years (range, 2-30 yrs). The facial twitching started in the left eyelid in all cases and the opposite side of the face began to twitch on the average 8.4 years (range, 0.2-15 yrs) later. Imaging studies revealed tortuous vertebrobasilar arteries in three patients. Four patients were successfully treated with botulinum toxin injections. Bilateral hemifacial spasm is a rare, peripherally induced disorder that must be differentiated from tics, dystonia including blepharospasm and other cranial dystonia, and other facial dyskinesias. Botulinum toxin injection appears to be the treatment of choice.     

Chordoid meningioma of the foramen magnum in a child: a case report and review of the literature

We report a 3-year-6-month-old boy with chordoid meningioma in the foramen magnum. Chordoid meningioma represents between 0.5 and 1.0% of all meningiomas, and it is frequently located in the supratentorial region. The patient started with an episode of instability, falls, and headache; after which, he developed cuadriparesis, cervical pain, and neck stiffness, which slightly improved after medical treatment, so he was referred to our hospital. Physical examination revealed left hemiparesis and cervical muscle spasm with left torticollis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated an intradural–extramedullary well-circumscribed, homogeneous enhancing mass, in the anterior part of the foramen magnum with cervical extension. The operative technique was the extreme-lateral craniocervical retrocondylar approach with total removal and dural coagulation. Histopathological examination demonstrated a chordoid meningioma, with meningotelial basophilic mucoid chordoma-like component in 80% of the tissue. The immunohistochemical stains were positive to epithelial membrane antigen, vimentin, and S-100 protein. At 10 months follow-up, the patient showed improvement in his neurological deficit with physical rehabilitation, and motor response in his extremities are now normal; neck stiffness with cervical spasm disappeared postoperatively. MRI showed no residual tumor. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a chordoid meningioma on the foramen magnum in a child.     

Malignant transformation of intracranial meningeal melanocytoma. Case report and review of the literature

Meningeal melanocytoma is an uncommon pigmented neoplasm that affects the CNS and develops in the cranial and spinal leptomeninges. Here we report on a case of malignant transformation of intracranial supratentorial meningeal melanocytoma which recurred after 3 years as malignant melanoma. This case demonstrates that the biological behavior of melanocytoma is uncertain and that these lesions may recur as malignant melanoma.     

Parkinsonian syndrome in a patient with a pterional meningioma: case report and review of the literature

The onset of a Parkinsonism in a patient with intracranial meningioma is definitely rare. The authors described the case of a patient suffering from a Parkinsonian syndrome for 10 years with no evidence of clinical improvement after medical treatment. A CT-scan of the brain evidenced a right pterional intracranial meningioma. The complete surgical removal of the neoplasm succeeded in resolving the Parkinsonian syndrome. The extension of the neoplasm and of the peritumoral edema may play an important role in compressing and consequently impairing perfusion of the basal ganglia region.     

Extramedullary spinal ependymoma: a diagnostic challenge and review of the literature

Of the 15 cases of intradural extramedullary ependymomas in the literature, only 3 patients were male. The authors report the fourth case to be diagnosed in a male patient and discuss the pathogenesis, presentation, and treatment of this rare form of ependymoma. These cases most commonly show a similar clinical preoperative course to that of a benign meningioma. Although most instances have been reported in females, hormonal influence may not completely explain this neoplasm's pathogenesis. Close follow-up is warranted because of potential recurrence, metastasis, and anaplastic transformation. An ependymoma should be included in the differential diagnosis of intradural extramedullary tumors.