OBJECTIVES: We report a case of purely extradural spinal meningioma and discuss the potential pitfalls in differential diagnosis. BACKGROUND: Spinal meningiomas account for 20-30% of all spinal neoplasms. Epidural meningiomas are infrequent intraspinal tumors that can be easily confused with malignant neoplasms or spinal schwannomas. CASE: A 62-year-old man with a previous history of malignant disease presented with back pain and weakness of the lower limbs. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a well-enhanced T4 intraspinal lesion. The intraoperative histological examination showed a meningioma (confirmed by postoperative examination). Opening the dura mater confirmed the purely epidural location of the lesion. The postoperative course was uneventful with no recurrence 12 months after surgery. CONCLUSION: Purely extradural spinal meningiomas can mimic metastatic tumors or schwannomas. Intraoperative histology is mandatory for optimal surgical decision making.
OBJECTIVES: We report a case of purely extradural spinal meningioma and discuss the potential pitfalls in differential diagnosis. BACKGROUND:Spinal meningiomas account for 20-30% of all spinal neoplasms. Epidural meningiomas are infrequent intraspinal tumors that can be easily confused with malignant neoplasms or spinal schwannomas. CASE: A 62-year-old man with a previous history of malignant disease presented with back pain and weakness of the lower limbs. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a well-enhanced T4 intraspinal lesion. The intraoperative histological examination showed a meningioma (confirmed by postoperative examination). Opening the dura mater confirmed the purely epidural location of the lesion. The postoperative course was uneventful with no recurrence 12 months after surgery. CONCLUSION: Purely extradural spinal meningiomas can mimic metastatic tumors or schwannomas. Intraoperative histology is mandatory for optimal surgical decision making.