Meningioma presenting with transient ischaemic attacks

C O Oluigbo1, K A Choudhari, P Flynn

  • 1Department of Neurosurgery, Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast BT12 6BA, UK.

Insights

A sphenoid wing meningioma presented like a transient ischaemic attack (TIA). This case highlights uncommon meningioma presentations and reviews potential mechanisms, aiding diagnosis.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Neurosurgery
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Meningiomas are typically slow-growing tumors arising from the meninges.
  • Sphenoid wing meningiomas can present with diverse neurological symptoms.
  • Transient ischaemic attacks (TIAs) are characterized by temporary neurological deficits.

Observation:

  • A patient presented with symptoms strongly suggestive of a transient ischaemic attack.
  • Neuroimaging revealed a sphenoid wing meningioma as the underlying cause.
  • The tumor's location and characteristics mimicked cerebrovascular events.

Findings:

  • The sphenoid wing meningioma caused TIA-like symptoms through an atypical mechanism.
  • Review of literature suggests vascular compression or transient ischemia as potential causes.
  • Diagnostic challenges arise from meningiomas mimicking other neurological conditions.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the importance of considering intracranial tumors in the differential diagnosis of TIA.
  • Enhanced neuroimaging interpretation is crucial for identifying rare meningioma presentations.
  • Understanding these mechanisms can improve diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes for meningioma cases.

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