Malignant transformation of recurrent meningioma with pulmonary metastases.

A patient presented with a histologically benign intracranial meningioma which, after multiple recurrences, underwent malignant transformation. The patient survived 18 years following initial presentation. Pulmonary metastases were present over the final 8 years. Eleven subtotal resections of the meningioma were performed, including exenteration of the right eye and a thoracotomy. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy were relatively ineffective. The problem and treatment of recurrent meningiomas is briefly reviewed.