Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 16, 2026
Author Spotlight: A Single-Entry Point Endoscopic Intraventricular Approach for Third Ventriculostomy and Pineal Biopsy
Published on: June 28, 2024
Primary pulmonary meningioma with associated multiple micronodules: a case report and literature review
1Department of Pathology and Anatomical Sciences, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA.
Abstract:
Primary pulmonary meningioma (PPM) is a rare and benign slow growing tumor with good prognosis. It often presents as an asymptomatic, well-circumscribed, solitary pulmonary nodule. Wedge resection is the management of choice for both diagnosis and treatment. Here, we report one case of PPM with increased fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake and associated micronodules, which was clinically suspicious for malignancy. The patient was a 60-year-old female who presented with persistent shortness of breath for 1 year. Chest computed tomography showed a 1.5-cm well-circumscribed homogenous nodule in the left upper lobe with increased FDG uptake and multiple smaller well-circumscribed micronodules scattered in both lungs. Left upper lobe wedge resection confirmed the diagnosis of PPM. PPM can deceptively mimic malignancy, so recognizing this rare entity and including it in the differential diagnoses of pulmonary nodules, especially with avid uptake of FDG, is crucial to avoid misdiagnosis and overtreatment.
Insights
Primary pulmonary meningioma (PPM) is a rare, benign lung tumor. This case highlights PPM’s potential to mimic malignancy on imaging, emphasizing the need for careful diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Primary pulmonary meningioma (PPM) is a rare, benign neoplasm.
- PPMs typically present as asymptomatic, well-circumscribed solitary pulmonary nodules.
- Surgical resection is the standard for diagnosis and treatment.
Observation:
- A 60-year-old female presented with shortness of breath and a 1.5-cm left upper lobe nodule.
- Chest CT revealed increased fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake in the nodule and scattered pulmonary micronodules.
- These findings raised clinical suspicion for malignancy.
Findings:
- Wedge resection confirmed the nodule as a primary pulmonary meningioma (PPM).
- The PPM exhibited significant FDG avidity, mimicking malignant tumors.
- Associated micronodules were also present.
Implications:
- PPM can present with imaging features suggestive of malignancy, including FDG uptake.
- Accurate diagnosis of PPM is crucial to prevent misdiagnosis and overtreatment of benign disease.
- Consider PPM in the differential diagnosis of pulmonary nodules, particularly those with high FDG uptake.
