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Apoplectic course of meningiomas
Z Kotwica1, Z Jagodziński, L Polis
1Department of Neurosurgery, Medical Academy of Lódź.
Zentralblatt Fur Neurochirurgie
|January 1, 1987
Summary
Five cases of meningiomas presented with apoplectic symptoms, mimicking stroke or subarachnoid hemorrhage. This study explores the rare, sudden onset of meningioma complications.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Neuropathology
- Clinical Neurology
Background:
- Meningiomas are typically slow-growing tumors arising from the meninges.
- Apoplectic presentations of meningiomas are rare but can lead to severe neurological deficits.
- Understanding these rare presentations is crucial for timely diagnosis and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report and analyze cases of meningiomas presenting with apoplectic symptoms.
- To investigate the clinical characteristics and potential mechanisms behind sudden meningioma complications.
- To differentiate apoplectic meningiomas from other causes of acute neurological events.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case series analysis of 196 meningiomas operated between 1969 and 1983.
- Detailed review of clinical presentations, radiological findings, and surgical outcomes for 5 specific cases.
- Discussion of pathophysiological mechanisms contributing to apoplectic onset.
Main Results:
- Five out of 196 meningiomas (2.5%) exhibited apoplectic symptoms.
- In 4 cases, the presentation mimicked acute cerebral ischemia (stroke).
- One patient experienced recurrent subarachnoid hemorrhage due to the meningioma.
Conclusions:
- Meningiomas can rarely present with a sudden, apoplectic onset, simulating acute cerebrovascular events.
- The underlying mechanisms for apoplectic meningiomas require further investigation.
- Awareness of this rare presentation is vital for neurosurgeons and neurologists.