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Updated: Aug 16, 2026
Role of Diffusion MRI Tractography in Endoscopic Endonasal Skull Base Surgery
Published on: July 5, 2021
Primary extracranial meningioma of the sinonasal tract
M Petrulionis1, N Valeviciene, I Paulauskiene
1Clinic of Ear, Nose and Throat Disease and Clinic of Pulmonology and Radiology, Vilnius University Hospital Santariskiu Klinikos, Vilnius, Lithuania.
Abstract:
Meningiomas occurring outside the cerebrospinal axis can be primary at an extracranial site (nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, and nasopharynx) or secondary extending from an intracranial lesion. Magnetic resonance imaging findings of an 8-year-old child with primary meningioma before and after surgery have been reviewed and compared to computed tomography and histological evaluation. The child had difficulty breathing through the left nostril and tearing of the left eye. After physical and radiological examination, a tumor comprising the left lower, middle turbinate, and ethmoidal cells was found and radically extirpated. On histological examination, the tumor was identified as meningothelial meningioma. On the basis of the clinical, radiological, and histological features, the tumor was diagnosed as extracranial meningioma of the sinonasal tract. A follow-up examination 6 months later revealed no evidence of recurrence of the tumor.
Insights
This study details an extracranial meningioma in an 8-year-old child, successfully treated with surgery. The rare sinonasal tract tumor showed no recurrence after 6 months.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Pediatric Neurosurgery
Background:
- Meningiomas typically arise within the central nervous system.
- Extracranial meningiomas are rare, with sinonasal tract involvement being particularly uncommon.
- Primary extracranial meningiomas can occur in the nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, and nasopharynx.
Observation:
- An 8-year-old child presented with left nostril obstruction and left eye tearing.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a tumor in the left lower, middle turbinate, and ethmoidal cells.
- Computed tomography (CT) and histological evaluation were performed alongside MRI.
Findings:
- The tumor was surgically removed (extirpated).
- Histological examination identified the tumor as a meningothelial meningioma.
- The diagnosis was confirmed as an extracranial meningioma of the sinonasal tract based on clinical, radiological, and histological data.
Implications:
- This case highlights the possibility of primary meningiomas in the sinonasal region.
- Successful surgical management of sinonasal meningiomas is demonstrated.
- The findings support the importance of comprehensive evaluation for rare pediatric sinonasal tumors.
