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Brain meningioma incidentally detected on a bone scan: A Case report
Tareq Hamed Al Taei1, Mariam Al Khaja1, Bedor Abdulrahim2
1Radiology Department, Salmaniya Medical Complex, Busaiteen, 00973, Bahrain.
Abstract:
Incidental meningioma is defined as a mass diagnosed radiologically on MRI and CT scans without histopathological confirmation. In occasional cases, meningiomas can be diagnosed incidentally by bone scintigraphy. This article presents an interesting case where a 44-year-old lady with known breast cancer was found to have a brain meningioma, incidentally, detected on a bone scan, which was initially suspected to be metastatic brain changes. The follow-up MRI and histopathological studies confirmed the diagnosis of meningioma.
Insights
Incidental meningioma, a brain tumor found on imaging without biopsy, can be detected via bone scan. This case highlights a meningioma initially mistaken for breast cancer metastasis on a bone scan.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Oncology
- Radiology
Background:
- Incidental meningioma definition: radiological diagnosis without histopathological confirmation.
- Meningiomas can be incidentally detected through various imaging modalities.
- Bone scintigraphy is an occasional diagnostic tool for meningiomas.
Observation:
- A 44-year-old female patient with a history of breast cancer presented with findings on a bone scan.
- The bone scan revealed a lesion suspected to be metastatic brain changes.
- The lesion was incidentally detected during the bone scan.
Findings:
- Follow-up Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and histopathological studies confirmed the lesion as a meningioma.
- The meningioma was initially misdiagnosed as metastatic brain disease due to the patient's breast cancer history.
- This case demonstrates an unusual presentation of incidental meningioma.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering meningioma in the differential diagnosis of brain lesions found on bone scans, even in cancer patients.
- Suggests that bone scintigraphy can play a role in the incidental detection of brain tumors.
- Emphasizes the necessity of follow-up imaging and histopathological confirmation for accurate diagnosis.
