Pediatric microcystic meningioma: a clinical, histological, and radiographic case-based review

Abstract

Background: Microcystic meningioma (MM) is a World Health Organization grade I tumor that is rare in the pediatric population. Meningiomas account for approximately 2-4 % of all childhood central nervous system (CNS) tumors compared to approximately 20 % of all adult CNS tumors. The authors present one of the few confirmed cases of microcystic meningioma in a child and discuss the characteristic radiographic appearance and histological findings.

History: We report the case of an 11-year-old boy who presented with first-time seizure and imaging consistent with brain tumor. There was significant vasogenic edema within the entire right hemisphere, disproportionate to the size of the falcine-based tumor. Histopathological analysis revealed the microcystic subtype of meningioma.

Discussion: We review the radiographic characteristics, histopathological findings, and reported pediatric cases of MM in conjunction with our case.

Conclusion: MM has distinct radiographic characteristics (variable enhancement, lack of a dural tail, and disproportionate vasogenic edema) that can be misinterpreted in the pediatric population, suggesting a more aggressive tumor.