Parasagittal meningioma: A not so benign entity

While the majority of intracranial meningiomas have an indolent clinical course, sudden and unexpected death may rarely occur. Two cases are reported to demonstrate rapid clinical deterioration resulting in death in individuals with large, grade I, parasagittal meningiomas. Case 1 was a 46-year-old man with a history of headaches and epilepsy who suddenly collapsed and died. A large right frontal parasagittal meningioma with haemorrhage had compressed the brain and lateral ventricle, causing tonsillar herniation. In case 2, a previously well 83-year-old woman presented with a one-week history of progressive dysphagia and dysphasia. She suffered rapid deterioration and was prescribed comfort care. A right-sided parasagittal meningioma had compressed the right superior and middle frontal gyri with posterior displacement and compression of the right precentral gyrus. If a meningioma is found at autopsy, the possibility of a lethal effect should be considered, and evidence of neurofibromatosis type 2 or other associated heritable conditions checked for.