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MR of pediatric intracranial meningiomas
C F Darling1, S E Byrd, M Reyes-Mugica
1Department of Radiology, Children's Memorial Hospital, Chicago, IL 60614.
Purpose:
To assess MR and pathologic characteristics of childhood intracranial meningiomas, comparing the radiographic findings with those observed in adult intracranial meningiomas.
Methods:
Clinical records, MR and CT scans, and histology of eight children with intracranial meningiomas presenting for a period of 7.5 years were retrospectively reviewed.
Results:
Boys equaled girls but predominated from ages 4 to 11 years. The ages ranged from 4 to 18 years. Two patients had radiation-induced meningiomas. Two children had multiple lesions; neither had neurofibromatosis. All solitary lesions were supratentorial. Other characteristics included: dural-based attachment (n = 6); large size (> 5 cm) (n = 4); cystic components (n = 3); and intraventricular location (n = 1). Histologic subtypes were: meningothelial (n = 4); transitional (n = 3); and fibroblastic (n = 1). Preoperative diagnoses of meningiomas were made in six cases based on overall imaging characteristics.
Conclusions:
Diagnosis of childhood intracranial meningiomas does not differ from that of adults radiographically, with the exception of larger tumor sizes.
Insights
Childhood intracranial meningiomas share radiographic features with adult tumors, but tend to be larger. This study reviewed eight pediatric cases to compare imaging and pathology.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric neuro-oncology
- Neuroradiology
- Pathology
Background:
- Intracranial meningiomas are tumors arising from the meninges.
- While common in adults, they are rare in children.
- Understanding pediatric meningioma characteristics is crucial for diagnosis and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the magnetic resonance (MR) and pathologic features of childhood intracranial meningiomas.
- To compare radiographic findings in children with those in adult intracranial meningiomas.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of clinical records, MR and CT scans, and histology.
- Analysis of eight pediatric intracranial meningioma cases over 7.5 years.
Main Results:
- The study included eight children (ages 4-18), with equal male and female representation, peaking in ages 4-11.
- Two cases were radiation-induced; two had multiple lesions without neurofibromatosis.
- Common features included dural attachment (6/8), large size >5 cm (4/8), and cystic components (3/8).
- Histologic subtypes were meningothelial (4/8), transitional (3/8), and fibroblastic (1/8).
- Preoperative diagnosis was made in six cases based on imaging.
Conclusions:
- Radiographic diagnosis of childhood intracranial meningiomas is similar to adults.
- A key difference is the tendency for larger tumor sizes in pediatric cases.