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Sphenoid and optic nerve sheath meningioma revealed by recurrent brain infarctions
A Mourad1, J-P Guichard, C Vignal
1Department of Neurology, Lariboisière Hospital, Assistance publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, 2, rue Ambroise-Paré, 75010 Paris, France.
Abstract:
Meningioma, though benign, may invade adjacent structures such as bone, soft tissues, dural sinuses and arteries. However brain infarctions secondary to meningioma involving the cavernous sinus and encasing and narrowing the intracranial carotid artery are rare. We report the case of a young man with recurrent left carotid artery infarctions due to a left sphenoid meningioma infiltrating the posterior optic nerve sheath through the optic canal and circumscribing the intracranial carotid artery. The patient had a gradually progressive occlusion of the middle cerebral artery, the distal internal carotid artery and finally the anterior cerebral artery ipsilateral to the sphenoid meningioma.
Insights
A rare sphenoid meningioma caused recurrent brain infarctions by compressing the carotid artery. This benign tumor led to progressive artery occlusion and cerebral ischemia in a young patient.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Vascular Neurology
Background:
- Meningiomas, typically benign tumors, can invade adjacent structures.
- Brain infarctions secondary to meningiomas, especially those involving the cavernous sinus and carotid artery, are exceptionally rare.
Observation:
- A young male presented with recurrent left carotid artery infarctions.
- The cause was identified as a left sphenoid meningioma infiltrating the optic nerve sheath and encasing the intracranial carotid artery.
Findings:
- The sphenoid meningioma led to progressive occlusion of the ipsilateral middle cerebral artery, distal internal carotid artery, and anterior cerebral artery.
- This case highlights a unique mechanism of ischemic stroke due to tumor compression.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering meningioma as a potential cause of ischemic stroke, even in young patients.
- Understanding tumor-meningeal vascular interactions is crucial for managing complex neurological cases and preventing cerebral infarctions.
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