Extradural spinal meningioma: Case report

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 roan 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 (C) 2008 Elsevier Masson SAS.