[Intracranial extraskeletal mesenchymal chondrosarcoma arising from falx: a case report and literature review]

Abstract

Intracranial extraskeletal mesenchymal chondrosarcoma is a very rare tumor that affects young adults. We report a 31-year-old woman with a huge intracranial extraskeletal mesenchymal chondrosarcoma. She presented with a history of right homonymous hemianopsia for 6 months. Computed tomography scans demonstrated a heterogeneously enhanced mass, in the right occipital region, which was lobulated and contained areas of calcification. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a large mass (67 mm) of heterogenous intensity that showed enhancement and was attached to the falx cerebri. The patient underwent right occipital craniotomy and subtotal removal of the tumor. At operation, the tumor was found to arise in the falx cerebri and the cranial vault was not involved. Pathologic examination revealed a mesenchymal chondrosarcoma. She underwent conventional radiotherapy after surgery and remained free of progression at the 20-month follow up. We review previously reported cases of extraskeletal intracranial mesenchymal chondrosarcoma and discuss imaging diagnosis, treatment strategies, and outcome.