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Chordoid meningioma: rare variant of meningioma
Ozlem Ozen1, Aylin Sar, Başar Atalay
1Department of Pathology, Baskent University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey. ozlemo@baskent-ank.edu.tr
Abstract:
Chordoid meningioma is a rare variant of meningioma that bears a striking histological resemblance to chordoma and has greater likelihood of recurrence. Although most meningiomas occur in the intracranial, orbital and intravertebral cavities, rare meningiomas have been reported in extracranial organs; thus, it is important to be able to distinguish them from other neoplasms that have similar histology but different biological behavior and therapies. A case of chordoid meningioma in a 48-year-old woman who did not have Castleman's syndrome is described in the present report. The patient presented with a mass in her left frontoparietal region, and had been suffering from headaches for many years. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain demonstrated an expansive lytic lesion in the squamous portion of the left temporal bone. The lesion extended in both directions. Histological examination of the surgical specimen revealed a tumor composed of cords and nests of eosinophilic vacuolated cells embedded in a myxoid matrix. A typical meningiomatous pattern was observed focally, and positive staining of the tumor cells for vimentin and epithelial membrane antigen confirmed the diagnosis of chordoid meningioma.
Insights
Chordoid meningioma, a rare brain tumor variant, mimics chordoma histologically and has a higher recurrence risk. Accurate diagnosis is crucial for appropriate treatment and distinguishing it from other neoplasms.
Area of Science:
- Neuropathology
- Oncology
Background:
- Chordoid meningioma is a rare meningioma subtype.
- It histologically resembles chordoma, posing diagnostic challenges.
- Distinguishing it from other neoplasms is vital due to differing prognoses and therapies.
Observation:
- A case report details a 48-year-old woman with a left frontoparietal mass and chronic headaches.
- Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an expansive lytic lesion in the left temporal bone.
- Histological examination showed cords and nests of eosinophilic vacuolated cells in a myxoid matrix.
Findings:
- Focal areas exhibited a typical meningiomatous pattern.
- Tumor cells stained positive for vimentin and epithelial membrane antigen.
- These findings confirmed the diagnosis of chordoid meningioma.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of recognizing chordoid meningioma's distinct features.
- Emphasizes the need for accurate histological differentiation from chordoma.
- Informs therapeutic strategies and prognosis assessment for this rare tumor variant.
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