Meningioangiomatosis with Skull Erosion
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 30, 2025
Endoscopic Endonasal Trans-sphenoidal Approach: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Pituitary Adenomas
Published on: January 17, 2018
Moustafa A Mansour1, Mohamed Tarek2
1Department of Neurology and Neurologic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt; Department of Emergency Medicine and Critical Care, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt; Division of Neuro-Intensive Care, Dar Al-Fouad Medical Corporation, Cairo, Egypt.
Abstract:
Meningioangiomatosis (MA) is a rare, poorly studied brain hamartomatous lesion, the etiology of which is not fully elucidated. It typically involves the leptomeninges, extending to the underlying cortex, characterized by small vessel proliferation, perivascular cuffing, and scattered calcifications. Given its close proximity to, or direct involvement of, the cerebral cortex, MA lesions typically manifest in younger patients as recurrent episodes of refractory seizures, comprising approximately 0.6% of operated-on intractable epileptic lesions. Due to the absence of characteristic radiological features, MA lesions constitute a significant radiological challenge, making them easy to miss or misinterpret. Although MA lesions are rarely reported with still-unknown etiology, it is prudent to be aware of these lesions for prompt diagnosis and management to avoid morbidity and mortality associated with delayed diagnosis and treatment. We present a case of a young patient with a first-time seizure caused by a right parieto-occipital MA lesion that was successfully excised via an awake craniotomy, achieving 100% seizure control.
Insights
Meningioangiomatosis (MA) is a rare brain lesion causing seizures in young patients. Prompt diagnosis and surgical removal, like in this case, can lead to complete seizure control.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neurosurgery
- Pathology
Background:
- Meningioangiomatosis (MA) is a rare hamartomatous lesion affecting the brain's leptomeninges and cortex.
- Its etiology remains largely unknown, presenting diagnostic challenges due to non-specific radiological features.
Observation:
- MA lesions often occur in young individuals, manifesting as intractable seizures due to their proximity to the cerebral cortex.
- This case involved a young patient experiencing a first-time seizure attributed to a right parieto-occipital MA lesion.
Findings:
- The lesion was characterized by small vessel proliferation, perivascular cuffing, and calcifications, typical of MA.
- Surgical excision of the MA lesion was successfully performed using an awake craniotomy.
Implications:
- Awake craniotomy offers a viable surgical option for treating MA lesions, especially those near eloquent brain areas.
- Early recognition and intervention for meningioangiomatosis are crucial to prevent potential neurological deficits and improve patient outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Cranial and Spinal Meninges
Cranial Meninges
These meningeal layers cover the cranium. The dura mater is the outermost layer of cranial meninges. It is a thick and durable membrane of dense...
01:22Sutures of the Skull
Sutures are immobile joints between adjacent bones of the skull. The narrow gap between the bones is filled with dense, fibrous connective tissue that unites the bones. The long sutures located between the skull bones are not straight but instead follow irregular, tightly twisting paths. These twisting lines tightly...