Intraparenchymal clear cell meningioma of the brainstem in a 2-year-old child. Case report and literature review.

We report an unusual case of an intraparenchymal clear cell meningioma of the brainstem, occurring in a 22-month-old girl. She presented with bulbar dysfunction and a right hemiparesis due to an intrinsic tumor of the medulla, which was confirmed by radiologic imaging to be focal and with an exophytic component. At surgery, a partial resection was achieved and no dural attachment was found. Pathologic examination revealed a clear cell meningioma. In reviewing the literature, there have been fewer than 20 reported cases of clear cell meningioma, none of which were intraparenchymal, involved the brainstem or occurred in such a young patient. The pathologic findings, treatment options and present understanding of this tumor are discussed.