Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 30, 2026

Tumorsphere Derivation and Treatment from Primary Tumor Cells Isolated from Mouse Rhabdomyosarcomas
Published on: September 13, 2019
Primary meningeal rhabdomyosarcoma
Manisha Palta1, Richard F Riedel, James J Vredenburgh
1Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
Abstract:
Primary meningeal rhabdomyosarcoma is a rare primary brain malignancy, with scant case reports. While most reports of primary intracranial rhabdomyosarcoma occur in pediatric patients, a handful of cases in adult patients have been reported in the medical literature. We report the case of a 44-year-old male who developed primary meningeal rhabdomyosarcoma. After developing episodes of right lower extremity weakness, word finding difficulty, and headaches, a brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated a vertex lesion with radiographic appearance of a meningeal-derived tumor. Subtotal surgical resection was performed due to sagittal sinus invasion and initial pathology was interpreted as an anaplastic meningioma. Re-review of pathology demonstrated rhabdomyosarcoma negative for alveolar translocation t(2;13). Staging studies revealed no evidence of disseminated disease. He was treated with stereotactic radiotherapy with concurrent temozolamide to be followed by vincristine, actinomycin-D, and cyclophosphamide (VAC) systemic therapy.
Insights
This case report details a rare adult primary meningeal rhabdomyosarcoma, a brain malignancy. The patient received multimodal therapy including surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Pathology
- Radiology
Background:
- Primary meningeal rhabdomyosarcoma is an exceptionally rare brain malignancy.
- While typically diagnosed in pediatric patients, adult cases are infrequently documented.
Observation:
- A 44-year-old male presented with neurological deficits including right lower extremity weakness, word finding difficulty, and headaches.
- Brain MRI revealed a vertex lesion suggestive of a meningeal tumor.
- Initial surgical resection was subtotal due to sagittal sinus invasion, with pathology initially misdiagnosed as anaplastic meningioma.
Findings:
- Pathological re-evaluation confirmed primary meningeal rhabdomyosarcoma, negative for the t(2;13) alveolar translocation.
- Staging confirmed no evidence of metastatic disease.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of thorough pathological review for rare adult brain tumors.
- Multimodal treatment including stereotactic radiotherapy, temozolomide, and VAC chemotherapy was employed.
- Further research into adult meningeal rhabdomyosarcoma is warranted to optimize treatment strategies.
Related Concept Videos
Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction
Cryptococcal Meningitis
Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology
Bacterial Meningitis
The Retinoblastoma Gene
The first-ever tumor suppressor gene called Rb was identified in retinoblastoma - a rare eye tumor in children. In inherited forms of the disease, a child inherits one defective copy of the Rb gene, which predisposes them to retinoblastoma. However,...
Cranial and Spinal Meninges
Cranial Meninges
These meningeal layers cover the cranium. The dura mater is the outermost layer of cranial meninges. It is a thick and durable membrane of dense...
