Meningioma with multiple rheumatoid nodules. A case report

Area of Science:

• Neuropathology
• Rheumatology
• Oncology

Background:

• Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease.
• Intracranial rheumatoid nodules have been previously documented in the dura mater, leptomeninges, and choroid plexus.

Observation:

• A 42-year-old man with a 12-year history of rheumatoid arthritis presented with a left tentorial meningioma.
• The patient had numerous subcutaneous rheumatoid nodules, including on the nuchal scalp.
• The resected meningioma contained classical rheumatoid nodules.

Findings:

• This is the first reported instance of rheumatoid nodules occurring within the substance of a meningioma.
• Histological examination revealed gradual transitions between tumor cells and the palisading peripheral cell layer of the rheumatoid nodules.
• The findings suggest neoplastic meningothelial cells may exhibit mesenchymal characteristics under specific conditions.

Implications:

• This case highlights a novel association between rheumatoid arthritis and meningioma.
• It provides evidence for the potential plasticity of neoplastic meningothelial cells.
• Further research may explore the mechanisms driving rheumatoid nodule formation in neoplastic tissue.