Cervical meningioma in childhood. A case report

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Neurosurgery
• Oncology
• Spinal Cord Pathology

Background:

• Meningiomas are uncommon neoplasms in pediatric populations, accounting for 1-2% of childhood intracranial tumors.
• Spinal meningiomas in children are exceptionally rare, posing diagnostic challenges.
• Differentiating spinal meningiomas from other extramedullary, intradural tumors like schwannomas can be difficult.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of cervical spinal meningioma in a pediatric patient.
• To emphasize the atypical clinical presentation of pediatric spinal meningiomas.
• To highlight the importance of including meningioma in the differential diagnosis of pediatric spinal tumors.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a 12-year-old boy with a cervical spine tumor.
• Clinical presentation and diagnostic workup were analyzed.
• Pathological findings were reviewed.

Main Results:

• A meningioma of the cervical spine was diagnosed in a pediatric patient.
• The patient presented with an atypical clinical course.
• Diagnostic difficulties were encountered in distinguishing meningioma from other potential spinal tumors.

Conclusions:

• Spinal meningiomas, though rare in children, should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pediatric spinal neoplasms.
• Atypical presentations necessitate a broad diagnostic approach.
• Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for appropriate management of pediatric spinal tumors.