Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 27, 2025

Role of Diffusion MRI Tractography in Endoscopic Endonasal Skull Base Surgery
Published on: July 5, 2021
Deep Sylvian fissure meningiomas: A case report
Anni Wang1, Xu Zhang1, Kun-Kun Sun2
1Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750000, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China.
Background:
Deep Sylvian meningiomas are rare and difficult to diagnose when small tumours lead to various symptoms. The difficulty associated with surgery is underestimated. Our case involved a mass (11 mm × 12 mm × 12 mm in size) in the right Sylvian fissure. It is the smallest deep Sylvian meningioma known and might be more easily misdiagnosed than previous examples.
Case Summary:
A well-enhanced mass in the right Sylvian fissure of a 26-year-old male with a three-month history of seizure was identified via magnetic resonance imaging. The patient underwent operations twice for seizure control. During the first operation, the tumour was surrounded by the second segment of the middle cerebral artery and its numerous perforators. Partial resection had to be selected due to mild arterial damage. After the first operation, the patient presented with simple partial seizure. During reoperation, we isolated the anatomical structure near the tumour and the tumour over and removed it from its dorsal side by piecemeal resection.
Conclusion:
This case reported the smallest deep Sylvian meningioma according to a literature review. Preoperative diagnosis is a crucial step due to deep Sylvian meningioma firmly adhering to the middle cerebral artery and its perforators. Adequate preparation is crucial to ensure the success of surgery.
Insights
This case study presents the smallest known deep Sylvian meningioma, highlighting diagnostic challenges and surgical complexities. Early diagnosis and meticulous surgical preparation are vital for successful outcomes in these rare tumors.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Neurology
- Oncology
Background:
- Deep Sylvian meningiomas are rare and often present with varied symptoms due to their location.
- Small tumors in the Sylvian fissure pose diagnostic challenges and their surgical difficulty is frequently underestimated.
- This case involves the smallest reported deep Sylvian meningioma (11x12x12 mm), potentially leading to misdiagnosis.

