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Multiple meningiomas of the fourth ventricle in infancy: case report
1Department of Neurosurgery, Virgen de la Vega Hospital, Salamanca, Spain.
Abstract:
Meningiomas are uncommon tumors in infancy. Intraventricular meningiomas do occur more frequently in infancy than in adulthood, although the establishment and growth of such tumors in the fourth ventricle is exceptional in children. The occurrence of multiple meningiomas is currently estimated to be less than 8%. We present the case of a girl who displayed two meningiomas in the fourth ventricle. Five years later, the child had four more meningiomas detected and extirpated from the same site. Eighteen months later, a new tumor appeared in the lower third of the clivus; after resection this was found to be another meningioma. The presence in a child of the repeated occurrence of multiple meningiomas, both in the fourth ventricle and in other areas of the posterior fossa, have led the authors to consider that the case is both curious and rare. Twelve similar cases of meningiomas developing exclusively in the fourth ventricle have been published; of these, only 3 occurred during infancy. A discussion is offered concerning the etiology and pathogenesis of these tumors; in which the possibility of unknown neuro-oncogenic factors that might induce meningiomas is postulated.
Insights
This study details a rare case of a child developing multiple meningiomas in the fourth ventricle and posterior fossa. The findings highlight the potential for unknown neuro-oncogenic factors in pediatric meningioma development.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric neuro-oncology
- Tumorigenesis research
Background:
- Meningiomas are rare in infants, with intraventricular types more common than in adults.
- Multiple meningiomas occur in less than 8% of cases.
- Fourth ventricle meningiomas are exceptional in children.
Observation:
- A case of a child presenting with two fourth ventricle meningiomas is described.
- The patient subsequently developed four additional meningiomas in the same location over five years.
- An additional meningioma was found in the clivus 18 months later.
Findings:
- This represents a unique instance of recurrent, multiple meningiomas in a child, primarily in the fourth ventricle and posterior fossa.
- Only 12 similar cases of exclusive fourth ventricle meningiomas have been reported, with 3 in infancy.
- The case is considered rare due to the repeated occurrence and location of tumors.
Implications:
- The study suggests the possibility of unknown neuro-oncogenic factors contributing to pediatric meningioma development.
- Further research into the etiology and pathogenesis of these rare tumors is warranted.
- This case contributes to understanding the spectrum of pediatric meningiomas and their potential for recurrence.