Congenital meningeal sarcoma--a case report

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Pediatric Neurosurgery
• Fetal Pathology

Background:

• Congenital intracranial neoplasms are exceptionally rare, with varying definitions regarding their origin.
• Meningeal sarcomas, a type of congenital brain tumor, are infrequently reported.
• These tumors often present with progressive hydrocephalus.

Observation:

• A third-trimester fetus presented with a large-for-date uterus and rapidly increasing biparietal diameter.
• Ultrasonography revealed asymmetrical hydrocephalus attributed to a middle cranial fossa mass.
• Minimal cerebral cortex thickness indicated a poor fetal prognosis.

Findings:

• Encephalocentesis was performed ultrasonically, followed by vaginal delivery of a stillborn infant.
• Autopsy confirmed hydrocephalus and identified an undifferentiated meningeal sarcoma in the left middle cranial fossa.
• Microscopic examination showed the sarcoma invading brain tissue.

Implications:

• This case highlights the challenges in diagnosing and managing rare fetal brain tumors.
• The poor prognosis associated with undifferentiated meningeal sarcoma underscores the importance of early detection.
• Understanding the embryonal origin of such tumors is crucial for future research and therapeutic strategies.