Brain mushroom: A case of osteolytic intraosseous meningioma with transcalvaria herniation

Sheng Chiong Hong1, Kelvin Woon1, Benjamin O'Keeffe1

  • 1a Department of Neurosurgery, Wellington Hospital , Wellington , New Zealand.

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.