Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 27, 2026
09:53
Role of Diffusion MRI Tractography in Endoscopic Endonasal Skull Base Surgery
Published on: July 5, 2021
Extracranial primary and secondary meningiomas
Giorgio Iaconetta1, Antonio Santella, Marco Friscia
1Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.
International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
|November 15, 2011
Summary
Extracranial meningiomas, rare non-dural tumors, present diagnostic challenges. This report details three cases, highlighting features for improved preoperative diagnosis and management of these unusual central nervous system lesions.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Meningiomas are typically central nervous system tumors arising from the dura.
- Extracranial meningiomas, also known as ectopic or non-dural meningiomas, are exceptionally rare.
- Preoperative diagnosis of extracranial meningiomas is often difficult, with definitive diagnosis usually requiring histopathology.
Observation:
- The authors present three recent cases of extracranial meningiomas.
- One case involved an extreme extracranial location, causing significant pressure and abrasion of adjacent structures.
- Surgical reconstruction varied, with one patient requiring acrylic polymers for skull bone repair and two needing titanium plates for jaw reconstruction.
Findings:
- Key features of these rare lesions are discussed to aid in preoperative diagnosis.
- The study emphasizes the importance of recognizing the varied presentations of extracranial meningiomas.
- Histopathologic examination remains crucial for definitive diagnosis.
Implications:
- Improved preoperative diagnostic capabilities for extracranial meningiomas can lead to better surgical planning.
- Understanding the potential for extensive local effects is vital for managing these rare tumors.
- This case series contributes to the literature on the diagnosis and surgical management of ectopic meningiomas.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Cranial and Spinal Meninges
The cranial and spinal meninges are complex protective structures surrounding the central nervous system (CNS), consisting of the brain and spinal cord. These meninges consist of the dura mater, the arachnoid mater, and the pia mater. They protect the CNS, provide structural support, and aid in circulating cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
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...
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...
01:14Increased Intracranial Pressure l: Introduction
Intracranial hypertension is a sustained elevation of intracranial pressure (ICP) above 22 mm Hg. In supine adults, normal ICP is ~7–15 mm Hg.The rigid, nonexpandable cranium contains three components—brain tissue, blood, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)—that total ~1,700 mL in a typical adult: 1,400 mL brain (~80%), 150 mL blood (~10%), and 150 mL CSF (~10%). According to the Monro–Kellie doctrine, total intracranial volume is effectively fixed. When one component expands, CSF and venous blood...
01:26Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology
Bacterial meningitis typically begins when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the nasopharynx and invade the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by bacterial virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsules, which resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Less commonly, bacteria reach the central nervous system via contiguous spread from infections like otitis media or sinusitis, through congenital or acquired dural defects, or...
01:14Cranial Bones: Superior and Posterior View
The superior view of the cranium shows the frontal and paired parietal bones.
The frontal bone is the single bone that forms the forehead. At its anterior midline, between the eyebrows, there is a slight depression called the glabella. The frontal bone also forms the supraorbital margin of the orbit. Near the middle of this margin is the supraorbital foramen, the opening that provides passage for a sensory nerve to the forehead. The frontal bone is thickened just above each supraorbital margin,...
The frontal bone is the single bone that forms the forehead. At its anterior midline, between the eyebrows, there is a slight depression called the glabella. The frontal bone also forms the supraorbital margin of the orbit. Near the middle of this margin is the supraorbital foramen, the opening that provides passage for a sensory nerve to the forehead. The frontal bone is thickened just above each supraorbital margin,...
01:22Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction
Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
01:22Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology
Vasogenic edema is a major form of cerebral edema characterized by abnormal accumulation of fluid in the brain’s extracellular space due to disruption of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). The BBB is a specialized structure composed of endothelial cells connected by tight junctions, supported by astrocytic endfeet and a basement membrane. Under normal conditions, it tightly regulates the movement of ions, proteins, and solutes between the bloodstream and brain parenchyma. When this barrier loses...