Cranial and spinal tumors with meningitic onset

We review the literature on cases of cranial or spinal tumor presenting with meningitic symptoms. Embryonal tumors-dermoid cysts, epidermoid cysts, craniopharyngiomas, teratomas-and malignant gliomas were the cause of most of the episodes of chemical meningitis, single or multiple in patients with no neurological symptoms. Differential diagnosis from aseptic meningitis, especially from Mollaret aseptic meningitis, is essential.