Coexistent vestibular schwannoma and meningioma in a patient without neurofibromatosis:A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND The simultaneous occurrence of schwannoma and meningioma in the absence of neurofibromatosis(NF)or a previous history of irradiation is exceedingly rare,as only 10 intracranial cases have been reported to date.Herein,we report a case of a coexistent cavernous sinus meningioma and ipsilateral vestibular schwannoma(VS)in a female patient without NF or a history of exposure to irradiation.CASE SUMMARY A 63-year-old woman presented with progressive left-side hearing loss and tinnitus over the previous year.In the past 6 mo,she developed facial numbness and intermittent headaches.Magnetic resonance imaging showed two lesions that were located on the left side of the cerebellopontine angle and parasellar region.Both lesions were totally resected via the left retrosigmoid approach.Histopathological examination revealed a VS and a meningioma.The patient did not have a family history or clinical or radiological signs of NF.CONCLUSION The coincident occurrence of VS and meningioma within close vicinity is very rare,and the pathogenesis is unclear.A careful whole-body examination needs to be conducted to exclude NF.Surgical treatment with the goal of total tumor resection is the best therapy.Additional studies are needed for a better understanding of the mechanisms that lead to the development of tumor growth in multiple locations.

Bilateral Middle Fossa Floor Meningiomas Invading the Middle Ear

This case is a 49-year-old female patient who presented with suspected eustachian tube dysfunction symptoms that were refractory to medical treatment. She presented with conductive hearing loss and aural fullness on the left. A physical exam revealed an epitympanic fleshy mass in the middle ear with effusion. Imaging with MRI and CT showed opacification of the epitympanum with surrounding bony demineralization bilaterally left greater than right and significant thinning versus dehiscence of the tegmen mastoideum and tympani on the left with only thinning of the tegmen on the right. An MR temporal bone with and without contrast, demonstrated enhancement of the left middle ear extending to the tegmen and corresponding enhancement of the dura along the floor of the left middle cranial fossa as well as extending along foramen ovale into the infratemporal fossa. There was to a lesser degree similar appearance on the right. A biopsy of the middle ear mass on the left revealed meningioma. This case highlights the need to widen your differential with common symptoms when they are refractory to treatment.

Differentiating consistency of meningioma based on grey-level histogram analysis of T2WI

Objective To observe the value of grey-level histogram analysis based on T2WI for differentiating consistency of meningioma.Methods Data of 109 patients with meningioma were retrospectively analyzed.The patients were divided into hard group(n=71)and soft group(n=38)according to the consistency of tumors.Tumor ROI was outlined on axial T2WI showing the largest tumor section,gray levels were extracted and histogram analysis was performed.The value of each histogram parameter were compared between groups.Then receiver operating characteristic curve was drawn,and the area under the curve(AUC)was calculated to evaluate the efficiency for differentiating soft and hard meningioma.Results P 1,P 10,P 50,P 90,P 99 and the mean grey levels on T2WI in soft group were all higher than those in hard group(all P<0.05),while the variance,the kurtosis and the skewness were not significantly different between groups(all P>0.05).The differentiating efficiency of P 1,P 10,P 50,P 90,P 99 and the mean grey levels on T2WI were all fine,with AUC of 0.774 to 0.833,and no significant difference was found(all P>0.05).Conclusion Parameters of grey-level histogram analysis such as P 1,P 10,P 50,P 90,P 99 and the mean values based on T2WI were all valuable for differentiating soft and hard meningioma.

Unusual Giant Pre-Sacral Multicystic Schwannoma: A Case Report and Differential Diagnosis

Background: Schwannomas are generally benign neoplasms arising from the nerve sheath. Presacral schwannomas are very rare entities and difficult to diagnose, representing less than 15% of all retrorectal space tumors. Benign schwannoma sometimes displays degenerative changes, such as cyst formation, calcification, hemorrhage, and hyalinization. Usually these degenerations are partially seen in the tumors. Objective: To point out that presacral schwannoma can display markedly multilocular cystic degeneration. Case Report: We present this unique case of a 24-year-old man diagnosed with an unusually large pure multilocular cystic schwannoma, which is revealed by digestive, urinary, and nonspecific neurological symptoms. The patient was successfully treated with radical surgery via an anterior approach leading to the recovery of symptoms. Discussion and Conclusion: This tumor was unusual in its totally multicystic appearance and its resemblance to a wide spectrum of lesions that can occur in the pre-sacral space, such as hydatid and developmental cysts. Preoperative diagnosis is essential to prevent major neurological deficits during surgical intervention.

Comprehensive evaluation of rare case:From diagnosis to treatment of a sigmoid Schwannoma:A case report

BACKGROUND Schwannomas are uncommon tumors originating from Schwann cells,forming the neural sheath.They account for approximately 2%-6%of all mesenchymal tumors and are most commonly identified in peripheral nerve trunks,with rarity in the gastrointestinal tract.Among gastrointestinal locations,the stomach harbors the majority of nerve sheath tumors,while such occurrences in the sigmoid colon are exceptionally infrequent.CASE SUMMARY This study presented a clinical case involving a 60-year-old female patient who,during colonoscopy,was diagnosed with a submucosal lesion that was later identified as a nerve sheath tumor.The patient underwent surgical resection,and the diagnosis was confirmed through immunohistochemistry.This study highlighted an exceptionally uncommon occurrence of a nerve sheath tumor in the sigmoid colon,which was effectively managed within our department.Additionally,a comprehensive review of relevant studies was conducted.CONCLUSION The preoperative diagnosis of nerve sheath tumors poses challenges,as the definitive diagnosis still relies on pathology and immunohistochemistry.Although categorized as benign,these tumors have the potential to demonstrate malignant behavior.Consequently,the optimal treatment approach entails the complete surgical excision of the tumor,ensuring the absence of residual lesions at the margins.

Concomitant treatment of ureteral calculi and ipsilateral pelvic sciatic nerve schwannoma with transperitoneal laparoscopic approach: A case report

BACKGROUND Schwannomas are rare peripheral neural myelin sheath tumors that originate from Schwann cells.Of the different types of schwannomas,pelvic sciatic nerve schwannoma is extremely rare.Definite preoperative diagnosis of pelvic schwannomas is difficult,and surgical resection is the gold standard for its definite diagnosis and treatment.CASE SUMMARY We present a case of pelvic schwannoma arising from the sciatic nerve that was detected in a 40-year-old man who underwent computed tomography for intermittent right lower back pain caused exclusively by a right ureteral calculus.Subsequently,successful transperitoneal laparoscopic surgery was performed for the intact removal of the stone and en bloc resection of the schwannoma.The total operative time was 125 min,and the estimated blood loss was inconspicuous.The surgical procedure was uneventful.The patient was discharged on postoperative day 5 with the simultaneous removal of the urinary catheter.However,the patient presented with motor and sensory disorders of the right lower limb,caused by partial damage to the right sciatic nerve.No tumor recurrence was observed at the postoperative appointment.CONCLUSION Histopathological examination of the specimen confirmed the diagnosis of a schwannoma.Thus,laparoscopic surgery is safe and feasible for concomitant extirpation of pelvic schwannomas and other pelvic and abdominal diseases that require surgical treatment.

Meningioma originating from the superior petrosal vein without dural attachment:A case report

BACKGROUND Meningioma in the cerebellopontine angle(CPA)without dural attachment is extremely rare.We report a unique case of meningioma derived from the superior petrosal vein without dural attachment.CASE SUMMARY A 44-year-old right-handed woman presented with a two-month history of headache and tinnitus.Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed a well-defined contrast-enhancing lesion in the right CPA without a dural tail sign.Tumor resection was performed using a right retro sigmoid approach.A dural attachment was not seen at the tentorium or posterior surface of the petrous pyramid.The tumor was firmly adherent to the superior petrosal vein.The origin site was cauterized and resected with the preservation of the superior petrosal vein.A diagnosis of meningothelial meningioma was made.The patient’s headache and tinnitus gradually disappeared,and a recurrence was not observed five years after the surgery.CONCLUSION The rare occurrence of meningioma without dural attachment makes it difficult to determine dural attachment before surgery.The absence of dural attachment makes it easy to completely resect such tumors.Vessels related to tumors should be removed carefully,considering the possible presence of tumor stem cells in the microvessels.

Primary pulmonary meningioma and minute pulmonary meningothelial-like nodules: Rare pulmonary nodular lesions requiring more awareness in clinical practice

In this editorial,we comment on an article by Ruan et al published in a recent issue of the World Journal of Clinical Case.Pulmonary meningothelial proliferative lesions,including primary pulmonary meningiomas,minute pulmonary meningothelial-like nodules,and metastatic pulmonary meningiomas are rare pulmonary lesions.These lesions are difficult to differentiate from lung cancers based on clinical and imaging manifestations.Herein,we briefly introduce the clinical,imaging,and pathological characteristics of these lesions and discuss their pathogenesis to strengthen the current understanding of pulmonary meningothelial proliferative lesions in clinical diagnosis and therapy.

Surgical Management of a Collision Tumor: The Association of Intracranial Meningioma and Macroadenoma

Background: The simultaneous presence of a pituitary adenoma and a meningioma is a rare and underreported condition. The randomly encountered cases need to be reported to further allow our understanding of this collision tumors that are still not understood nor fully described. Patients and Method: We report a case of coexisting nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma and a left temporal lobe meningioma revealed by a 1-year history of progressive vision loss and occasional headaches in a 56-year-old woman. Her clinical condition worsened in the last 5 months with ptosis, cavernous sinus syndrome, and ophthalmoplegia of the right eye without papilledema. There was an improvement in the visual symptoms after subtotal resection of both lesions through a right frontotemporal craniotomy. Histology confirmed a collision tumor. The patient was referred for adjuvant treatment with gamma knife radiosurgery. He was doing well and back to his usual duties 6 months later. Conclusion: A gross total or subtotal resection with adjuvant therapy is the gold standard for the surgical management of collision tumors for a favorable patient outcome.

An Alternative Mechanism for the Instant Removal of Hypervascular Anaplastic Meningioma with Recovery of Mentality with NaCl + KCl

Background: There is limited information regarding adjuvant treatment for malignant meningiomas. Although external whole-brain irradiation is recommended, the patient’s family in our case rejected this modality. Notably, traditional chemotherapy was ineffective. Aim: I speculated if the exfoliation of graphene could disassemble the three-dimensional (3D) structures of the graphene because the tumor mass or the blood clots including the graphene consisted of inhomogeneous materials. Therefore, I aimed to explore another possible mechanism for the instant removal of inhomogeneous materials. Method: Herein, I report a case of anaplastic papillary meningioma. A 59- year-old man presented with partial complex seizures and recurrent headaches following craniotomy for the removal of a mass with a right frontotemporal convexity 10 years ago. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a right frontotemporal mass with diffuse contrast enhancement and extensive surrounding edema. A right frontotemporal flap was performed. The tumor and the infiltrated dura were removed, but massive intraoperative bleeding occurred and the right middle cerebral artery was clipped at the M2 territory. Postoperatively, the follow-up CT scan revealed hydrocephalus. Accordingly, a ventriculoperitoneal shunt was placed. The patient suffered from left hemiplegia as a sequela of intraoperative bleeding. Four months later, the follow-up CT scan showed chronic epidural hematoma in the right frontotemporoparietal region. The patient also had an altered level of consciousness. Results: The patient’s level of consciousness was restored after infusion of a NaCl + KCl solution with instant disappearance of the mass. Conclusion: There may be another mechanism for disassembling the inhomogeneous graphene-containing complex, such as quantum fluctuation of the graphene exfoliation with pair annihilation or relation to tissue engineering by the graphene.

MRI Findings and Diagnostic Significance of Soft Tissue Schwannomas in the Extremities

Objective:To analyze the MRI features and rare manifestations of schwannomas of the extremities to improve diagnosis.Methods:Retrospective analysis of 23 cases of schwannomas in the extremities confirmed by surgical pathology,summarizing its signs,signal characteristics and MRI enhancement.Results:Among the 23 cases,20 were single lesions,and 3 were multiple lesions,resulting in a total of 28 lesions.The distribution of these lesions included 7 in the thigh,9 in the calves,4 in the armpits,3 in the hips,and 4 each in the upper arms and forearms.Additionally,there was one lesion located in the groin.On T1-weighted imaging(T1WI),the lesions showed iso-intensity or hypo-intensity.On T2-weighted imaging(T2WI),they appeared slightly hyperintense or hyper-intense.Some lesions exhibited multiple small vesicle-like higher signals,cystic changes,and fiber spacing on T2WI.Furthermore,one lesion showed a liquid-liquid plane.The“target sign”was observed in 18 lesions(64.3%)and“neuropathic signs”were present in six lesions(21.4%).Finally,it was noted that on MRI enhancement,the lesions demonstrated uniform or uneven enhancement.The lesions were uniformly or unevenly enhanced on MRI enhancement.Conclusions:The MRI findings of schwannoma in the extremities exhibit specific characteristics.The cystic changes on T2WI also display distinct features.Recognition of rare MRI findings,such as cystic changes,liquid-liquid plane and septum,should be emphasized to enhance the accuracy of pre-diagnosing schwannomas.

Intracochlear schwannoma: Imaging diagnosis

Intralabyrinthine schwannomas(ILS)are rare benign tumors,often responsible for hearing loss.MRI is important in establishing the diagnosis.We present the example of a 48-year-old lady who reported a 3-years history of right-sided sensorineural deafness.MRI demonstrated a loss of the normal hypersignal of the second turn of the right cochlea compatible with intracochlear schwannoma.

Malignant Meningioma: Two Cases Observed at the Hospital Center of Soavinandriana, Antananarivo

Introduction: Meningiomas are tumors formed by arachnoid cells, typically attached to the inner surface of the dura mater. Malignant forms are rare and no case has been reported in the Malagasy literature. The objective of our study is to report two Malagasy cases of malignant meningioma and to discuss the epidemiological and anatomical-clinical particularities of this tumor. Observation: The first patient, a 41-year-old woman, presented with a rapidly progressive intracranial hypertension syndrome. The patient had undergone surgery two years earlier for a grade II meningioma and had no family history of meningioma, neurofibromatosis, or personal history of brain irradiation or head trauma. Her brain scan showed a heterogeneous polylobed left parieto-occipital mass with a meningeal implantation base. The anatomopathological examination of the samples revealed a malignant meningioma. The second patient was a 33-year-old man, operated for grade I meningioma eleven months before admission, with no other personal or family history. The patient was hospitalized for tumor recurrence with signs of intracranial hypertension. The brain computed tomography (CT) scan showed a heterogeneous extra-axial tumor in right temporo-parietal lobe. Surgical excision was performed. On histological examination, a proliferation of tumor cells of meningothelial appearance with papillary architecture was observed, leading to the diagnosis of malignant meningioma. Conclusion: Malignant meningioma is a rare and serious entity. The clinical manifestations are nonspecific and imaging may mimic a low-grade meningioma. The diagnosis of certainty is histological and is based on essentially morphological criteria. The latter condition the overall survival of the patient and the therapeutic conduct.

Giant Spinal Schwannomas. Presentation of Two Cases with Interdisciplinary Surgical Resection

Purpose: To report two quite rare cases of giant schwannomas of the cervical and thoracic spine. Surgical resection is usually the treatment of choice for these neoplasms. Methods: The first patient is a 48-year-old male that came to our department, complaining about weakness and paresthesia of both lower extremities and upper left extremity, and a considerably big dorsal palpable lump. MRI and CT scan were used to diagnose giant cervical schwannoma. Because of the intensity of symptoms, he was subjected to surgery. Multidisciplinary resection involving neurosurgical and oncosurgicalteamn was performed for intravertebral and extravertebral approaches. The second patient is a 55-year-old female that came to the hospital complaining about incapacitating pain and dysesthesia involving T6, T7, and T8 dermatomes, with no other deficits. MRI and CT scan were used to diagnose giant thoracic schwannoma. Because of the intensity of the pain, surgery was decided as the treatment of choice. Video assisted thoracoscopic surgery was performed and total resection was achieved, with improvement of the symptoms. Results: Both patients showed complete remission of the symptoms, with no major deficits after surgery. Conclusion: Although infrequent, giant spinal schwannomas may be the cause of visible lumps in the back with radicular symptoms. When asymptomatic, conservative treatment could be viable, but when they present symptoms, surgery offers good results.

Convulsive Seizures Revealing a Meningioma in Children: A Case Report from the Hospital Center of Soavinandriana

Meningiomas in children are rare. They represent only 1% to 3% of all intracranial tumors. It was a case report of a childhood girl meningioma, which is from the rare tumor and presenting by seizures, evolving in an apyretic context. She had no notion of irradiation or particular personal history apart from wearing glasses since the age of 5 years. She weighed 70 kg (BMI = 31). Biological examinations were normal. The brain scan showed a left frontal extra-axial tumor process measuring 76 × 60 × 55 mm. Tumor resection was performed. Macroscopically, the surgical specimen was found to be 8 firm, lobulated, yellowish-white fragments measuring 14 × 11 × 2 cm and weighing 150 g in total. The histological examination showed a proliferation of meningothelial cells, with a tendency to stratify and to roll up on each other in an onion bulb shape, without excess of mitoses and without cortical infiltration, evoking a meningioma. Meningioma in children remains a rare tumor. In our case, seizures were the only revealing signs of this disease. Cerebral computed tomography oriented the diagnosis. Anatomopathological examination was essential for confirmation.

Meningioma of the Optical Nerves in a Case at the Hospitalier Center of Saint Denis in Ile de France

Summary: Optic nerve tumors are rare tumors, representing 3% - 5% of intracranial tumors developing mainly along the optic nerve and/or the chiasm. Optic nerve meningiomas are histologically benign tumors whose severity is linked to diagnostic and especially therapeutic difficulties. The Optic nerve meningioma is the second leading cause of optic nerve tumor after glioma. Observation: We report the case of a 49-year-old woman from South Asia, who consults an ophthalmology department for progressive visual loss in her right eye for about a year with her glasses and would like to renew her optical correction. Having no particular medical history apart from left unilateral blindness is known for approximately 15 years. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (IRM) cerebral found a tissue mass with a clear outline and polylobules on the left temporo-peduncular. Through this case, we describe the circumstances of discovery of the disease, the clinical characteristics, as well as our diagnostic approach. Conclusion: In the majority of cases, these are benign tumours, the circumstances of which are discovered in multiple ways. A mostly unilateral and non-improvable loss of visual acuity must attract our attention. Renewing glasses may be the reason for discovering the disease. Today Magnetic Resonance Imaging (IRM) remains an important and capital examination for the diagnosis and monitoring of this pathology.

Total removal of a large esophageal schwannoma by submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection:A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND Primary schwannoma is a rare submucosal tumor of the esophagus,which is most often benign,and surgery is the only effective treatment.So far,only a few cases have been reported.Herein,we reported a single case diagnosed with primary esophageal schwannoma that was totally removed by submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection(STER).CASE SUMMARY A 62-year-old man presented to the hospital with a history of resection of a malignant gastric tumor and mild dysphagia.Endoscopic examination revealed a large submucosal elevated lesion in the esophagus 25-30 cm from the incisors.Endoscopic ultrasonography detected a 45 mm×35 mm×31 mm hypoechoic lesion;chest computed tomography showed a mass of approximately 55 mm×35 mm×29 mm.A preliminary examination showed features suggestive of a stromal tumor.Pathological findings indicated esophageal schwannoma.Next,STER alone was performed to completely resect the mass,and the patient recovered well post-surgery.Afterward,the patient was discharged and showed no tumor recurrence at 33 mo of follow-up.CONCLUSION Endoscopic resection is still an effective treatment for large esophageal schwannomas(>30 mm)under meticulous morphological evaluation.

Removal of unexpected schwannoma with superficial parotidectomy using modified-Blair incision and superficial musculoaponeurotic system folding: A case report

BACKGROUND When a firm facial mass in the cheek region is associated with a high index of clinical suspicion of its being of parotid gland origin,preventive parotidectomy is invariably performed.We report a rare case of a schwannoma that was suspected to be of parotid gland origin in a patient,who underwent successful surgical management using a modified-Blair incision and superficial musculoaponeurotic system(SMAS)layer folding method.CASE SUMMARY A 27-year-old woman presented to the hospital for evaluation of a firm,fixed,non-tender mass(2.5 cm×3.5 cm),located anterior to the right ear,of 1 year’s duration.Contrast-enhanced facial computed tomography revealed a wellencapsulated,low-density mass adherent to the superficial lobe of the right parotid gland,with a high index of clinical suspicion of an accessory parotid gland mass.The patient was scheduled to undergo resection of the mass and superficial parotidectomy.She underwent surgery using a modified-Blair incision,and the SMAS layer was folded posteriorly to reconstruct the defect.Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of a schwannoma.,and we observed no postoperative complications such as hematoma,infection,or abnormal facial expressions.The incision scar was unnoticeable 2 mo postoperatively,and the facial contour was maintained without any differences between the affected and unaffected sides.CONCLUSION We used a modified-Blair incision and SMAS layer folding method to achieve aesthetically good results following resection of a rare schwannoma with superficial parotidectomy in the cheek region.

Misdiagnosis of Facial Nerve Palsy: A Case Report of Sporadic Vestibular Schwannomas (Non-NFM2) Causing Facial Nerve Palsy Be Misled by Bell’s Palsy in a Child

We report a case of a rare sporadic Vestibular Schwannoma of a 9-month-old girl who had a right-sided lower motor type facial nerve palsy. The patient was initially diagnosed with Bell’s palsy and received steroid treatment accordingly, two months later the patient’s condition deteriorated, and further evaluation of CT and MRI brain was conducted that showed a mass lesion in the posterior fossa causing compression on the facial nerve. Misdiagnosis of facial nerve paralysis is common among children due to multiple related etiologies and varying rates of incidence in comparison to adults. The authors hope to address this issue in this report. Background: Facial nerve paralysis has been a matter of concern for many researchers to understand its nature, causes and presentation according to different age groups. In adults, Bell’s palsy (BP), the idiopathic form of facial nerve paralysis, is more common compared to children where most cases are due to secondary etiologies. Therefore, pediatricians are in an important position to identify these patients early in order to launch the most effective diagnostic and treatment approaches.

Metastases Extracranial Mimicking Meningioma: A Case Report

Background: Skull vault lesions are rare and represent 1% - 2% of all bone masses. Most cerebral metastases are the intra axial tumors, whereas extra-axial masses mimicking meningioma are extremely rare. Case presentation: A 35-year-old woman with a history of mastectomy left breast cancer 5 years below radiotherapy was referred to the neurosurgery department with a parietal extra-axial mass parietal evolving for one year. CT scan with Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an extra-axial tumor with lysis bone. A craniotomy was performed to remove the mass that was located extra-axial. Histopathological examination revealed metastasis. Conclusions: Lesion skull vaults are rare but they should be considered in the differential diagnosis of intraosseous meningioma lesions. In this report, we discuss the clinical aspects of cases we observed, in which the metastasis bone was found thanks to the histological examination of a calvarial mass after surgery.