Brain mushroom: A case of osteolytic intraosseous meningioma with transcalvaria herniation
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Published on: July 5, 2021
Sheng Chiong Hong1, Kelvin Woon1, Benjamin O'Keeffe1
1a Department of Neurosurgery, Wellington Hospital , Wellington , New Zealand.
Abstract:
A 61-year-old male presented with primary intraosseous osteolytic meningioma and transcalvaria herniation. This is an extremely rare condition with only 16 case reports of osteolytic intraosseous meningioma. This case is unique because it was accompanied by a transcalvaria herniation.
Insights
This study reports an extremely rare case of intraosseous osteolytic meningioma in a 61-year-old male. The unique presentation included transcalvaria herniation, a complication not previously documented with this rare tumor.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Intraosseous meningiomas are rare tumors arising from ectopic meningothelial cells within bone.
- Osteolytic meningiomas represent a subtype characterized by bone destruction, with fewer than 20 reported cases.
- Transcalvaria herniation is a severe complication typically associated with increased intracranial pressure or large skull defects.
Observation:
- A 61-year-old male presented with symptoms attributed to a primary intraosseous osteolytic meningioma.
- Radiological and pathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of an osteolytic meningioma originating within the skull bone.
- The patient exhibited a significant transcalvaria herniation, where brain tissue protruded through a defect in the skull.
Findings:
- This case represents the first documented instance of primary intraosseous osteolytic meningioma associated with transcalvaria herniation.
- The tumor's osteolytic nature contributed to the skull defect, facilitating the herniation.
- The rarity of intraosseous meningiomas, combined with this specific complication, highlights the diverse clinical manifestations of these tumors.
Implications:
- This case expands the understanding of potential complications associated with intraosseous meningiomas.
- It underscores the importance of considering rare diagnoses and their unique presentations in neurosurgical practice.
- Further research may be warranted to explore the pathobiology linking osteolytic meningiomas and skull defects leading to herniation.

