Supratentorial haemangioblastoma not associated with Von Hippel Lindau complex or polycythaemia: case report and literature review

Abstract

Solitary or multiple supratentorial haemangioblastomas are rare and may be associated with Von Hippel Lindau complex (VHLC), polycythaemia or a family history of VHLC. An extensive review of the literature (1902-1992) has revealed 112 cases. They account for 2-8% of all haemangioblastomas and are commonly intraparenchymatous (86.8%) and infrequently intraventricular (6.6%). However, a meningeal location 5.6%) is extremely rare. Only one case of a solitary leptomeningeal haemangioblastoma has previously been reported and this was associated with a family and personal history of VHLC, cerebellar haemangioblastoma and renal carcinoma. We report a solitary solid left parietal leptomeningeal haemangioblastoma mimicking a meningioma or a secondary deposit on computed tomography in a 72-year-old male. There were no manifestations of or a family history of VHLC or polycythaemia.