Recurrent spinal meningioma: a case report

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Oncology

Background:

• Spinal meningiomas are common, slow-growing, benign intradural tumors.
• They typically have low recurrence rates after surgical excision.
• Late recurrence, especially after 16 years, is uncommon.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a unique case of late-recurrent spinal meningioma.
• To review the literature on spinal meningioma recurrence.
• To emphasize favorable outcomes with surgical intervention.

Main Methods:

• Case presentation of a 64-year-old female with recurrent spinal meningioma.
• Review of surgical history and histopathological findings.
• Literature search for similar cases of late recurrence.

Main Results:

• A 64-year-old woman presented with neurological decline 16 years after initial surgery for a thoracic spinal meningioma.
• A second surgery successfully excised a recurrent intradural extramedullary meningioma.
• Histopathology confirmed a meningothelial type, distinct from the initial transitional type.
• The patient demonstrated neurological recovery post-operatively.

Conclusions:

• Late recurrence of spinal meningiomas is possible, even after 16 years.
• Surgical excision remains an effective treatment for recurrent spinal meningiomas.
• This case underscores the importance of long-term follow-up for spinal tumor patients.