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Updated: May 6, 2026
Intraoperative Ultrasound in Spinal Surgery
Published on: August 17, 2022
Spinal Intramedullary Meningiomas: A Systematic Review with a Case Illustration
Giada Garufi1, Gianluca Scalia2, Giuseppe Ricciardo3
1Department of Neurosurgery, Azienda Ospedaliera Papardo, University of Messina, Messina, Italy; Department of Neurosurgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.
Background:
Intramedullary meningiomas are an exceptionally rare subtype of spinal tumors, accounting for only 5% of primary spinal neoplasms. Given their scarcity and unique characteristics, understanding optimal management approaches is crucial for improved clinical decision-making. This systematic review aims to consolidate existing literature and present a detailed case illustration to enhance understanding of this uncommon spinal tumor entity.
Methods:
A systematic search adhering to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines was conducted. Eligible studies included case reports, case series, cohort studies, reviews, and meta-analyses. Data extraction and synthesis focused on demographic characteristics, tumor location, clinical presentation, imaging findings, surgical interventions, histopathological features, and outcomes.
Results:
A total of 15 high-quality scientific articles were included in the systematic review, providing insights into various aspects of intramedullary meningiomas. Demographic analysis revealed a broad age distribution with an equal gender distribution among affected patients. Common clinical presentations included difficulty walking, sensory disturbances, spastic paraparesis, and urinary incontinence. Neuroimaging findings demonstrated heterogeneous signal intensity variations on T1- and T2-weighted images, with variable enhancement patterns on gadolinium-enhanced images. Surgical interventions, predominantly total resection, resulted in favorable postoperative outcomes in most cases.
Conclusions:
Intramedullary meningiomas pose diagnostic and therapeutic challenges due to their rarity and unique characteristics. Tailored surgical approaches, incorporating techniques such as intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring and fluorescence-aided resection, are crucial for minimizing neurological deficits and optimizing patient outcomes. Despite their infrequency, recognizing intramedullary meningiomas in the differential diagnosis of spinal tumors is essential for prompt diagnosis and timely intervention, ultimately improving patient prognosis.
