Peritumoural haematoma and meningioma: a common tumour with an uncommon presentation

Spontaneous peritumoural haemorrhage in meningiomas is a rare but serious complication with a grave prognosis. It occurs at the interface between the tumour and the parenchyma, either from the tumour surface or the cortical vessels in association with it. Although several pathophysiologic mechanisms for this complication have been proposed, they all remain speculative. We report a 72-year-old female who presented with sudden onset of headache and a left homonymous hemianopia. Neuroimaging revealed a parasagittal meningioma at the posterior third of the superior sagittal sinus with peritumoural intracerebral haematoma, 1 cm away from the tumour. An uncomplicated gross total excision of the meningioma and aspiration of the haematoma was achieved through a craniotomy. The postoperative course was uneventful with an excellent clinical out-come. Possible mechanisms for this unusual complication are discussed. We emphasise the importance of prompt diagnosis and simultaneous excision of the tumour and aspiration of the haematoma as prerequisites for a favourable outcome. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.