|
|
| Year : 2014 | Volume
: 57
| Issue : 2 | Page : 308-310 |
|
| Intramedullary meningioma of spinal cord: Case report of a rare tumor highlighting the differential diagnosis of spinal intramedullary neoplasms |
|
|
Ishita Pant1, Sujata Chaturvedi1, Vinod Kumar Singh Gautam2, Rima Kumari3
1 Department of Pathology, Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences, New Delhi, India
2 Department of Neurosurgery, Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences, New Delhi, India
3 Department of Neuroradiology, Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences, New Delhi, India
Click here for correspondence address and email
| Date of Web Publication | 19-Jun-2014 |
|
|
 |
|
 Abstract | | |
A 15-year-old male presented with progressive weakness of both lower limbs with urinary incontinence. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a spinal intramedullary mass at D7-D8 level. The child was operated with a preliminary diagnosis of an intramedullary tumor. Atypical ependymoma and astrocytoma were considered in the differential diagnosis. Per- and post-operative histopathological examination reported the case as transitional meningioma (WHO Grade I). Spinal intramedullary meningiomas being a rare entity may be confused with other common intramedullary tumors. Though, rare still the possibility of an intramedullary spinal mass of being a meningioma does exist and therefore should be considered in the differential diagnosis of intramedullary tumors. Keywords: Intramedullary, meningioma, spinal cord, tumor
How to cite this article:
Pant I, Chaturvedi S, Singh Gautam VK, Kumari R. Intramedullary meningioma of spinal cord: Case report of a rare tumor highlighting the differential diagnosis of spinal intramedullary neoplasms. Indian J Pathol Microbiol 2014;57:308-10 |
How to cite this URL:
Pant I, Chaturvedi S, Singh Gautam VK, Kumari R. Intramedullary meningioma of spinal cord: Case report of a rare tumor highlighting the differential diagnosis of spinal intramedullary neoplasms. Indian J Pathol Microbiol [serial online] 2014 [cited 2023 Sep 27];57:308-10. Available from: https://www.ijpmonline.org/text.asp?2014/57/2/308/134726 |
| Introduction | |  |
Meningiomas are among the most common spinal tumors, constituting about 25% of all adult intraspinal tumors. Spinal meningiomas are commonly encountered in the thoracic segments of the spine, usually in the subdural and extramedullary regions. Intramedullary location is extremely rare for these tumors, and so far to the best of our knowledge only seven case reports have appeared in the literature. [1] Modern neuroradiological tools have made the diagnosis of intramedullary masses easier and allow careful surgical planning. However, the presentation of meningioma as an intramedullary mass poses a preoperative diagnostic challenge. This case is discussed here for its exceptional location and to highlight the fact that spinal meningiomas may occur in locations other than extra/intradural and therefore should be considered in the differential diagnosis of spinal intramedullary masses.
| Case report | | |
A 15-year-old male presented with complaints of progressive weakness of both lower limbs for 4 months. Weakness was insidious in onset and associated with stiffness of lower limbs. He also complained of moderate intensity low backache with a 1-month history of bladder incontinence.
On neurological examination, the patient showed decreased strength in both lower limbs with hyper-reflexia and spasticity. The patient showed sensory loss of 60% below the umbilicus for touch, temperature, and pain.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the dorsal spine was performed. Multiplanar T1, T2-weighted (T1-W and T2-W) and post contrast fat suppressed T1-W sequences were obtained. The study showed focal expansion of the mid dorsal cord effacing subarachnoid space with altered intramedullary signal intensity and craniocaudal cord edema [Figure 1]a]. Post contrast T1-W images showed an oval well-defined intensely enhancing ×12 mm at the D7-D8 level [Figure 1]b and c]. A provisional diagnosis of intramedullary spinal cord tumor was made with atypical ependymoma and astrocytoma considered as the differentials. | Figure 1: (a) T2-weighted (T2-W) sagittal image showing focal expansion of mid dorsal cord effacing subarachnoid space with heterogeneous hyper intense intramedullary signals and cord edema. (b and c) Post contrast fat suppressed T1-W sagittal and axial images showing an oval well-defined intensely enhancing intramedullary mass expanding dorsal cord
Click here to view |
The patient subsequently underwent a surgery. A laminectomy was done at D6-D8 level revealing dural bulge. A midline durotomy was followed by a midline myelotomy between the dorsal columns. The tumor was encountered after the columns were split. Intraoperative findings revealed a soft to firm, greyish white, moderately vascular, and nonsuckable mass. A clear plane was identifiable between cord and tumor. Subtotal resection was done with a perioperative diagnosis of ependymoma. The per-operative specimen sent to the histopathology laboratory was subjected to squash smear preparation and frozen sections. It was difficult to crush and spread. The squash smear stained by hematoxylin and eosin showed occasional whorls and numerous single uniform spindled meningothelial cells [Figure 2]a]. Frozen section showed whorl formation by the meningothelial cells [Figure 2]b]. Based on the above findings, a per-operative histopathological diagnosis of meningioma was made. | Figure 2: (a) Squash smear showing occasional whorls and numerous single uniform spindled meningothelial cells (H and E, ×100). (b) Frozen section showing whorl formation by the meningothelial cells (H and E, ×400), (c) microphotograph showing whorls and fascicles of meningothelial cells (H and E, ×200)
Click here to view |
The latter specimen received in formalin for paraffin sections showed whorls and fascicles of meningothelial cells having ovoid nuclei with stippled chromatin and eosinophilic cytoplasm [Figure 2]c]. Tumor cells showed immunopositivity for vimentin [Figure 3]a] and immunonegativity for glial fibrillary acidic protein [Figure 3]b]. Histopathological diagnosis of transitional meningioma (WHO Grade I) was made. The postoperative period was uneventful.
The histopathological diagnosis of intramedullary transitional meningioma (WHO Grade I) led to a reconsideration of the original radiological diagnoses, the MRI scans were studied retrospectively, and a diagnosis of intramedullary meningioma was established. The 2-year follow-up has showed considerable improvement in the patient status. | Figure 3: Tumor cells showing immunopositivity for Vimentin (Vimentin, ×400), (b) tumor cells showing immunonegativity for GFAP (GFAP, ×400)
Click here to view |
| Discussion | | |
Most spinal meningiomas are confined within the intradural space and only a few of them penetrate the dura or exit through a root sleeve to reach the epidural compartment. [2] Infrequently, meningiomas appear to arise in the epidural compartment or the skin [3],[4] and very rarely are spinal meningiomas intramedullary. Pathogenesis of intramedullary meningioma is not very clear, but as per the hypothesis the origin of these tumors is in the mesenchymal cells lining the perivascular spaces of the neuraxis. [5],[6]
This case report highlights the differential diagnosis of common spinal intramedullary neoplasms so as to render a definitive diagnosis.
Spinal intramedullary meningiomas must be distinguished from a group of neoplasms, more frequent at this location. This group includes astrocytic neoplasms, ependymomas, oligodendrogliomas, ganglion cell tumors, haemangioblastomas, paragangliomas, schwannomas, and metastatic neoplasms.
Astrocytomas of the spinal cord are broadly divided into two clinicopathologically distinct groups: (i) Diffuse or diffusely infiltrative astrocytomas and (ii) Pilocytic astrocytoma. Combined approach of neurosurgery, radiology, and pathology modalities ensures an accurate assessment of the lesion. Spinal astrocytomas range from Grade II to IV. These occur in both children and adults presenting with pain, motor deficits, sensory disturbances, and abnormalities of sphincter function. MRI revealing an ill-defined nonenhancing expansile mass extending over several segments characterizes Grade II or III astrocytoma while an ill-defined contrast enhancing mass is characteristic of Grade IV astrocytoma. The radiologic features of pilocytic astrocytomas are yet to be described completely; however, in a study of Rossitch et al., this tumor is defined as discrete, cyst associated, and contrast enhancing mass. [7]
Spinal ependymomas are the commonest gliomas of the spinal cord and are divided into (i) cellular ependymoma and (ii) Myxopapillary ependymoma. Cellular ependymomas are common during the 4 th and 5 th decade. These may be multifocal in the setting of NF2. [8] MRI features of ependymomas show discrete and contrast enhancing masses. T2-W images may show dark hemosiderin rich regions. [9] Associated peritumoral cysts are also a common feature.
Per-operatively the discrete character and central location of the tumor is usually apparent. The tumors are usually solid but can be cystic also. Despite of these features the diagnosis is sometimes difficult in frozen sections since the cytologic features of ependymomas may simulate astrocytomas. In such situations, smears complement the frozen sections highlighting the small dark oval ependymal nuclei.
Myxopapillary ependymoma is a distinctive neoplasm seen in adults. Clinical features include sphincter disturbances or deficits related to compression/involvement of conus medullaris or sacral nerve roots. MRI shows discrete and contrast enhancing masses. The characteristic abundant mucin shows hyperintensity or whiteness on nonenhanced T1-W images. Macroscopically these are well-defined, soft, saccular masses that may secondarily adhere to the nerve roots of cauda equina or extend to involve the conus medullaris. The crush smears show the typical mucoid matrix with cells showing nuclear uniformity and process formation.
Spinal haemangioblastomas are seen in adults during 3 rd -5 th decades, predominantly in men. This tumor shows an occasional association with von Hippel Lindau disease. MRI shows a discrete, contrast enhancing mass with associated cysts, syringes above or below the mass. Macroscopically the high vascularity of the lesion results in compensatory enlargement of leptomeningeal vessels simulating a vascular malformation at times. The cut surface of the tumor has a distinctive variegated appearance due to the lipidization. In frozen sections, haemangioblastomas often resemble astrocytomas. The cellular crowding and the occasional nuclear pleomorphism accentuated by the freezing process can create the impression of even anaplastic astrocytoma (WHO Grade III). However, review of radiologic studies and the vacuolated appearance of lipid containing stromal cells on frozen sections help in clinching the diagnosis. In addition, a positive lipid stain on the frozen tissue confirms the diagnosis.
Paragangliomas are uncommon lesions, commonly seen in adults. MRI shows discrete and contrast enhancing mass. The characteristic Zellballen architecture and distinctive nuclei of chief cells with a "salt and pepper" chromatin pattern are well seen in cytologic preparations.
Oligodendrogliomas and Ganglion cell tumors both are rare but recognized entities in the spinal cord showing features similar to their cranial counterparts. Similarly, intramedullary schwannomas and metastatic neoplasms are uncommon lesions which need a reminder that they may appear at this site.
The other intramedullary neoplasms those are too rare to affect the spinal cord includes: Germinoma, atypical teratoid or rhabdoid tumor, hamartoma, lipoma, lymphomatoid granulomatosis, neurocytoma, primary CNS lymphoma, primitive neuroectodermal tumor and teratoma.
| Conclusion | | |
Intramedullary meningioma is a very rare clinical entity. Owing to their rarity, the imaging characteristics of intramedullary meningiomas have not been well characterized. However, when confronting a homogenously enhanced intramedullary tumor of the cord on postcontrast MRI, meningioma should be considered in the differential diagnoses.
| References | | |
| 1. | Park SH, Hwang SK, Park YM. Intramedullary clear cell meningioma. Acta Neurochir (Wien) 2006;148:463-6. 
|
| 2. | Calogero JA, Moossy J. Extradural spinal meningiomas. Report of four cases. J Neurosurg 1972;37:442-7.
[PUBMED] |
| 3. | Levy WJ Jr, Bay J, Dohn D. Spinal cord meningioma. J Neurosurg 1982;57:804-12.
[PUBMED] |
| 4. | Zaaroor M, Borovich B, Bassan L, Doron Y, Gruszkiewicz J. Primary cutaneous extravertebral meningioma. Case report. J Neurosurg 1984;60:1097-8.
[PUBMED] |
| 5. | Salvati M, Artico M, Lunardi P, Gagliardi FM. Intramedullary meningioma: Case report and review of the literature. Surg Neurol 1992;37:42-5.
|
| 6. | Moriuchi S, Nakagawa H, Yamada M, Kadota T. Intramedullary spinal cord meningioma - A case report. Neurol Med Chir (Tokyo) 1996;36:888-92.
|
| 7. | Rossitch E Jr, Zeidman SM, Burger PC, Curnes JT, Harsh C, Anscher M, et al. Clinical and pathological analysis of spinal cord astrocytomas in children. Neurosurgery 1990;27:193-6.
|
| 8. | Lee M, Rezai AR, Freed D, Epstein FJ. Intramedullary spinal cord tumors in neurofibromatosis. Neurosurgery 1996;38:32-7.
|
| 9. | Kahan H, Sklar EM, Post MJ, Bruce JH. MR characteristics of histopathologic subtypes of spinal ependymoma. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 1996;17:143-50.
|
Correspondence Address:
Ishita Pant
Department of Pathology, Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences, Dilshad Garden, New Delhi - 110 095
India
 Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None  | Check |
DOI: 10.4103/0377-4929.134726
[Figure 1], [Figure 2], [Figure 3] |
|
| This article has been cited by | | 1 |
Intramedullary Thoracic Meningioma: A Rare Case Report and Review of the Literature |
|
| Cheng Cheng,Jianzhen Wang,Shuiqiang Zhao,Benzhang Tao,Shaocong Bai,Aijia Shang | | World Neurosurgery. 2019; 129: 176 | | [Pubmed] | [DOI] | | | 2 |
Intramedullary Recurrence of a Thoracic Meningioma—Presentation of an Unusual Case and Review of the Literature |
|
| Matthew A. Piazza,Ashwin G. Ramayya,Geoffrey A. Geiger,Michelle Alonso-Basanta,MacLean P. Nasrallah,William C. Welch,Ali K. Ozturk | | World Neurosurgery. 2016; 92: 588.e17 | | [Pubmed] | [DOI] | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Article Access Statistics | | | Viewed | 6169 | | | Printed | 172 | | | Emailed | 1 | | | PDF Downloaded | 115 | | | Comments | [Add] | | | Cited by others | 2 | | |
|
|
