Rare Case of Young Patient with Intraventricular Angiomatous Meningioma

Pediatricmeningiomas are rare and account for only 2.2% of the central nervous system (CNS) tumors. In this age group, they aremore frequently located in atypical sites, such as, mainly, the ventricular system, with a frequency of 8.8 to 13.6%. Adding this to the fact that the angiomatous subtype constitutes only 2.1% of allmeningiomas, the rarity of the case reported here is corroborated. We report a 17-year-old female patient diagnosed with intraventricular angiomatous meningioma; she underwent surgical resection of the tumor in the body and frontal horn of the right lateral ventricle, and there were no neurological sequelae. With a follow-up of 26 months, there was no recurrence and the patient had clinical stability. Intraventricular tumors usually have slow growth and reach a considerable size until they cause symptoms and then are diagnosed. In addition, the deep location of the tumor and its proximity to eloquent areas make these tumors a neurosurgical challenge. The angiomatous subtype, due to the presence of hypervascularization (consisting of > 50% of vascular components), may, in some cases, hinder surgical resection as well as be erroneously diagnosed. However, surgical treatment aimed at total resection of the lesion remains the conduct of choice in the case reported here, especially in patients in the first two decades of life, in which the use of radiation is avoided. Specifically when it comes to the surgery, we chose a transcalosal approach that allows a good transoperative visualization of the lesion when located in the body and frontal horn of the lateral ventricle.

Sarcoidosis Mimicking Skull Base Meningioma

Sarcoidosis is a systemic disease characterized by granulomatous inflammation. Pulmonary and lymphatic granulomatous involvement are common.We present a rare case report of involvement of the central nervous system affecting the ocular region and mimicking optic nerve sheath meningioma. We report the case of a 79-year-old female patient with progressive visual impairment with an evolution of 4 years. Amagnetic resonance imaging scan of the cranium with gadolinium and intense homogeneous contrast enhancement revealed an expansive lesion in the right optic nerve, at the height of the optic canal. The patient was submitted to the neurosurgical approach with lesion biopsy, which showed sarcoidosis of the central nervous system. Due to the rarity of central nervous system involvement, the diagnosis of this pathologymay unfortunately be postponed. The present article aims to elucidate this pathology as a differential diagnosis of retro-orbital tumors.

Extracerebral Pterional Metastasis from Malignant Meningioma: A Case Report

Anaplastic or malignant meningiomas that are classified as World Health Organization (WHO) grade III account for less than 1% of all meningiomas diagnosed. Despite the aggressive course, distant metastases are a rarity, occurring in only 0.1% to 0.2% of cases. We report the case of a 56-year-old woman who presented with parasagittal benign meningioma that underwent malignant transformation along with metastasis into the right orbitosphenoid region. The clinical, radiological, and histopathological aspects are highlighted, with an emphasis on the natural history of meningiomas.

Lymphoplasmacyte-Rich Meningioma of the Third Ventricle: Case Report

Introduction Meningiomas are the most common primary intracranial tumors, accounting for up to 35% of the neoplasms in this category. Approximately 10­20% of these neoplasms are histologically atypical, and the lymphoplasmacyte-rich meningioma (LPM) corresponds to a very rare subtype of meningioma that is characterized histopathologically by massive infiltrates of inflammatory cells. The case described in the present study is the sixth case of an intraventricular LPM found in the literature and the first case considering the location in the third ventricle. Case Description A 21-year-old male without previous comorbidities sought medical attention due to visual impairment (complaining of intermittent visual blur) for 2 months. A magnetic resonance imaging of the brain confirmed the presence of a well-delimited solid mass in the third ventricle of 3.0 2.3 cmwith a cystic component that extended itself inferiorly and distorted the visual pathway anatomy. Neurosurgeons decided to access the lesion using an interhemispheric transcallosal approach with a transforaminal access, and the lesion was resected completely. The patient has an ambulatorial endocrinological follow-up and is neurologically stable 6 months after the procedure. No new visual deficits were noted. Conclusion Lymphoplasmacyte-rich meningioma is a very rare intracranial tumor, and the involvement of the third ventricle make this case unique.

Tailored Surgical Approaches for Foramem Magnum Tumors

Objective To describe our surgical techniques, analyze their safety and their postoperative outcomes for foramen magnum tumors (FMTs). Methods From 1986 to 2014, 34 patients with FMTs underwent surgeries using either the lateral suboccipital approach, standard midline suboccipital craniotomy, or the far lateral approach, depending on the anatomic location of the lesions. Results In the present series, there were 22 (64.7%) female and 12 (35.2%)male patients. The age of the patients ranged from12 to 63 years old.We observed 1 operativemortality (2.9%). A total of 28 patients (82.3%) achieved a score of 4 or 5 in the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS). Gross total resection (GTR) was obtained in 22 (64.7%) patients. After the surgery, 9 (26%) patients developed lower cranial nerve dysfunction (LCNd) weakness. The follow-up varied from 1 to 24 years (mean: 13.2 years). Conclusion Themajority of tumors located in the FMcan be safely and efficiently removed usingeither thelateral suboccipital approach, standardmiddlelinesuboccipital craniotomy, or the far lateral approach, depending on the anatomic location of the lesions.

Monostotic craniofacial fibrous dysplasia: report of two cases with interesting histology

Fibrous dysplasia (FD) is a relatively rare osseous disease of unknown etiology, wherein the normal bone is replaced by collagen-rich tissue, comprising of fibroblasts and variably abundant immature woven bone. Clinically, it may involve a single bone or multiple bones. It commonly arises in the jaw bone, skull, rib, and proximal femur. Those arising in the skull and the jaw are together termed "craniofacial fibrous dysplasia." The differential diagnosis at this location includes meningioma and metastatic carcinoma. In this report, we highlight two diagnostically challenging cases presenting with orbital swelling and headache as the main complaints. Our first case was misinterpreted as meningioma on intraoperative squash smear, and paraffin sections revealed characteristic features of FD. The second case highlights the morphological feature of non-specific cystic degeneration occurring in FD. Radiographs in such cases show cystic swelling, which is indicative of a secondary aneurysmal bone cyst.

Grade I meningiomas with atypical characteristics: a worse prognosis / Meningiomas grau I com características atípicas: um pior prognóstico

ABSTRACT The study reviewed the histology of cases of grade I meningiomas with spontaneous necrosis, grade I without necrosis and grade II meningiomas, to evaluate the histological and immunohistochemical factors of the patients' prognosis, while correlating the clinicopathological features with the clinical follow-up of the patients. A review of 47 cases from the Department of Pathology of UNIFESP was performed and the samples were submitted to immunohistochemical examination with the p53 protein, Ki-67 cell proliferation factor and progesterone receptor markers. A greater expression was found in the progression of several degrees of aggressiveness for p53 and Ki-67, and a higher frequency of progesterone receptors in the lower degrees. The group of grade I meningiomas with spontaneous necrosis showed histological and immunohistochemical indexes that approximate those of the grade II meningioma. This suggests a worse prognosis for grade I meningiomas with necrosis.

RESUMO O objetivo do estudo foi realizar a revisão histológica de casos de meningiomas grau I com necrose espontânea, grau I sem necrose e grau II para avaliar os fatores histológicos e imunohistoquímicos de prognóstico dos pacientes, correlacionando informações no âmbito clínico-patológico com o seguimento clínico dos pacientes. Foi realizada revisão de 47 casos do Departamento de Patologia da UNIFESP e as amostras foram submetidas a exame imunohistoquímico com os marcadores proteína p53, fator de proliferação celular Ki-67 e receptor de progesterona. Verificou-se maior expressão na progressão dos diversos graus de agressividade para p53 e Ki-67 e maior frequência de receptores de progesterona nos menores graus. O grupo dos meningiomas grau I com necrose espontânea apresentou índices histológicos e imuno-histoquímicos que se aproximam dos meningiomas grau II. Isto sugere um pior prognóstico dos meningiomas grau I com necrose.

Graduação histológica e aspectos clínico-patológicos relacionados em 22 meningiomas de cães / Histological grading and related clinical and pathological aspects of 22 canine meningioma

Vinte e dois casos de meningiomas em cães, diagnosticados num período de aproximadamente 18 anos, foram revisados. Os neoplasmas foram graduados e classificados histologicamente de acordo com os critérios da Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS de 2007) para meningiomas em humanos adaptados para cães, em Grau I (G-I; benignos), Grau II (G-II; atípicos) e Grau III (G-III; anaplásico ou maligno). Dos protocolos de necropsias foram retiradas adicionalmente informações referentes ao sexo, idade, raça, evolução clínica, sinais clínicos, localização anatômica e achados macroscópicos. Os meningiomas intracranianos supratentoriais foram os mais frequentes em relação às demais localizações intracranianas ou intraespinhais. Os intracranianos caracterizaram-se principalmente por sinais clínicos de alteração tálamo-cortical. Os intraespinhais caracterizaram-se principalmente por causarem ataxia. Meningiomas G-I foram os mais frequentes (63,6%) nos 22 cães, seguidos pelos G-III (22,7%) e G-II (13,6%). Os G-I caracterizaram-se por ter o subtipo psammomatoso como o mais frequente, mais de um padrão morfológico em um mesmo tumor, e um terço deles apresentando áreas de invasão do tecido nervoso, 71,4% dos casos acometendo fêmeas, uma média de idade de 11 anos, cães com raça definida como os mais acometidos e por ter o maior tempo de sobrevivência após a manifestação dos sinais clínicos. Os meningiomas G-II caracterizaram-se por ter o subtipo cordoide como o mais frequente, invasão do tecido nervoso em um terço dos casos, somente fêmeas acometidas, uma média de idade de 12 anos, dois terços dos cães acometidos sem raça definida e o tempo máximo de sobrevivência de 20 dias. Os meningiomas G-III caracterizaram-se por ter o subtipo papilar como o mais frequente, invasão do tecido nervoso em 80% dos casos, 60% dos casos acometendo fêmeas, uma média de idade de 8 anos, 80% dos cães acometidos da raça Boxer e o tempo máximo de sobrevivência de 90 dias. Este estudo permitiu estabelecer uma relação entre os três graus histológicos observados em 22 casos de meningiomas em cães com vários parâmetros clínico-epidemiológicos e patológicos, fornecendo informações úteis para um melhor conhecimento da correlação entre a graduação histológica e a evolução clínica desses neoplasmas.(AU)

Twenty two cases of meningiomas in dogs, diagnosed in about 18 years, were analyzed. The neoplasms were histologicaly classified and graded according to the World and Health Organization (WHO of 2007) for human meningiomas, adapted for dogs, in Grade I (G-I; benign), Grade II (G-II; atypical), and Grade III (G-III; anaplastic or malignant). Additional data about gender, age, breed, skull conformation, clinical course and signs, anatomic localization, gross and histological findings were obtained from the necropsy reports. Intracranial and supratentorial meningiomas were the most frequent in relation to the other intracranial or intraspinal sites. The intracranial ones were characterized mainly by clinical signs of thalamic-cortical alteration. Intraspinal ones were mainly characterized by ataxia. G-I meningiomas were the most frequent (63.6%) in dogs, followed by G-III (22.7%) and G-II (13.6%). GI were characterized by having the psammomatous subtype as the most frequent, more than one morphological pattern in the same tumor, one third presenting areas of invasion of nervous tissue, 71.4% of cases involving females, a mean age of 11 years, pure breed dogs as the most affected ones and for having the longest survival time after the manifestation of clinical signs. G-II meningiomas were characterized by having the chordoid subtype as the most frequent, invasion of nervous tissue in one third of cases, only females affected, a mean age of 12 years, two-thirds of the dogs affected were mongrels and the maximum survival time of 20 days. The G-III meningiomas were characterized by having the papillary subtype as the most frequent, invasion of the nervous tissue in 80% of the cases, 60% of the cases involving females, a mean age of 8 years, 80% of dogs affected were Boxers and the maximum survival time of 90 days. In conclusion, this study allowed to establish a relationship between the three histological grades observed in 22 cases of meningiomas in dogs with various clinical-epidemiological and pathological parameters, providing useful information for a better understanding of the correlation between the histological grading and the clinical evolution of these neoplasms.(AU)

Meningioma extradural de oído medio: reporte de un caso y revisión de la literatura / Extradural meningioma of middle ear: reporting a case and literature review

Los meningiomas son los tumores no gliales más comunes del sistema nervioso central constituyendo el 24%-30% de los tumores intracraneales y el 25% de los tumores de médula espinal. Se originan de células de la aracnoides y en general presentan un comportamiento benigno. Existe un subtipo llamado meningioma extracraneal primario o extradural que es poco frecuente y afecta principalmente el área de cabeza y cuello. Debido a su baja prevalencia y síntomas poco característicos son a menudo diagnosticados por fortuna, siendo la inmunohistoquímica fundamental. Se presenta el caso de una mujer adulta con una lesión tumoral en oído medio diagnosticada inicialmente mediante una biopsia incisional como un granuloma de colesterol. Luego del tratamiento quirúrgico y estudio de inmunohistoquímica se concluye el diagnóstico definitivo de meningioma extradural de oído medio. Se analiza la literatura al respecto y se discute sobre su epidemiología, clínica, estudio y manejo.

Meningiomas are the most common non-glial tumors of the central nervous system constituting 24-30% of intracranial tumors and 25% of spinal cord tumors. They originate from arachnoid cells and generally exhibit benign behavior. The subtype primary extracranial meningioma or extradural meningioma that is uncommon and affects the head and neck area. Due to their low prevalence and uncharacteristic symptoms are often diagnosed by fortune, being the immunohistochemistry fundamental. We present the case of an adult woman with a tumor lesion in the middle ear initially diagnosed by an incisional biopsy such as a cholesterol granuloma. After the surgical treatment and immunohistochemical study, the definitive diagnosis of extradural meningioma of the middle ear is concluded. The literature on this subject is analyzed and its epidemiology, clinical practice, study and management are discussed.

Meningiomas del surco olfatorio: consideraciones del abordaje endonasal endoscópico extendido transcribiforme / Olfactory groove meningiomas: considerations of the extended endoscopic endoscopic approach transcribiform

Los meningiomas del surco olfatorio representan el 10 por ciento de los meningiomas intracraneales, se originan de la lámina cribosa del etmoides, la sutura fronto-esfenoidal y el plano esfenoidal. Son tumores en su mayoría benignos y potencialmente curables, la recurrencia ocurre en grado variable siendo el grado de resección quirúrgica el predictor más importante de recurrencia. En este artículo se exponen los resultados alcanzados con el abordaje endonasal endoscópico extendido transcribiforme en pacientes con meningiomas del surco olfatorio en el servicio de neurocirugía del hospital clínico quirúrgico Hermanos Ameijeiras. La serie fue de 12 pacientes donde la cefalea, la anosmia y los trastornos neuropsicológicos fueron los síntomas predominantes. Los tumores tuvieron un tamaño ≥ a 6 cm en el 50 por ciento de los casos y con el abordaje endonasal endoscópico extendido transcribiforme se alcanzó una resección total con Simpson I en el 92 por ciento de los enfermos. Los límites del abordaje endonasal endoscópico en la fosa anterior se encuentran en constante extensión, siendo el abordaje endonasal endoscópico extendido transcribiforme la opción ideal y prometedora para los pacientes con Meningiomas del surco olfatorio.

Olfactory groove meningiomas represent 10 percent of intracranial meningiomas, originate from cribriform plate of ethmoid, frontal and sphenoid suture and the sphenoid plane. They are mostly benign and potentially curable tumors, the recurrence occurs in varying degree and the extent of surgical resection is the most important predictor of this recurrence. This article presents the results achieved with the transcribiform extended endoscopic endonasal approach in patients with meningiomas of olfactorygroove in neurosurgery department of the “Hermanos Ameijeiras” hospital. The series was of 12 patients where headache, anosmia, and neuropsychological disorders were the predominant symptoms. The tumors had a size ≥ 6 cm on 50 percent of the cases and with transcribiform extended endoscopic endonasal approach was reached total removal in 92 percent (Simpson I) of the patients. The limits of endoscopic endonasal approach for anterior fossa are in constant expansion, being the transcribiform extended endoscopic endonasal approach the ideal and promising option for patients with olfactory groove meningiomas.

Expression of merlin, NDRG2, ERBB2, and c-MYC in meningiomas: relationship with tumor grade and recurrence

Meningiomas are common, usually benign tumors of the central nervous system that have a high rate of post-surgical recurrence or regrowth. We determined expression of the proteins merlin, NDRG2, ERBB2, and c-MYC in meningiomas using immunohistochemistry and assessed relationships between protein expression and gender, age, tumor grade, and recurrence or regrowth. The study sample comprised 60 patients, (44 women and 16 men) with a mean age of 53.2±12.7 years. Tumors were classified as grade I (n=48) or grades II and III (n=12). Expression of merlin, NDRG2, ERBB2, and c-MYC was not significantly different statistically with relation to gender, age, or meningioma recurrence or regrowth. Merlin was expressed in 100% of the cases. No statistically significant difference between tumor grade and recurrence or regrowth was identified. Statistically significant differences were identified between the mean age of patients with grade I (54.83±11.60) and grades II and III (46.58±15.08) meningiomas (P=0.043), between strong c-MYC expression and grades II and III (P<0.001), and between partial surgical resection and tumor recurrence or regrowth (P<0.001). These findings reveal the lower mean age among grades II and III meningioma patients than grade I patients, the influence of the protein merlin on tumorigenesis, the association of c-MYC with aggressive meningiomas, and that partial surgical resection is associated with tumor recurrence or regrowth.

Surgical Treatment for Falcotentorial Meningiomas

Among intracranial meningiomas, falcotentorial meningiomas, occurring at the junction of the falx cerebri and tentorial dural folds, are extremely rare. Because of their deep location, they are surrounded by critical structures, and have been regarded as one of the most challenging lesions for surgical treatment. In this study, we describe our surgical strategy for falcotentorial meningiomas and provide a review of our experience.

Frontal cutaneous meningioma - Case report

Cutaneous meningiomas are rare tumors most commonly located on the scalp. We report the case of a 55-year-old male who presented with a 2x3 cm tumoral lesion on the forehead. The lesion was hard, adherent and covered by normal skin. Incisional biopsy revelead a proliferation of monomorphic round cells, organized in nests and focally forming pseudovascular spaces. Immunohistochemical study revealed positivity for epithelial antigen membrane and vimentin. Vascular markers, cytokeratins and S100 protein were negative. A brain CT scan did not show any evidence of intracranial meningioma. The authors describe the case of a cutaneous frontal meningioma in probable relation with previous cranioencephalic trauma.

Foramen magnum meningiomas: surgical treatment in a single public institution in a developing country / Meningiomas do forame magno: tratamento cirúrgico em uma instituição pública em um país em desenvolvimento

Objective: To analyze the clinical outcome of patients with foramen magnum (FM) meningiomas. Method: Thirteen patients (11 Feminine / 2 Masculine with FM meningiomas operated on through lateral suboccipital approach were studied. Clinical outcome were analyzed using survival (SC) and recurrence-free survival curves (RFSC). Results: All tumors were World Health Organization grade I. Total, subtotal and partial resections were acchieved in 69.2%, 23.1% and 7.7%, respectively, and SC was better for males and RFSC for females. Tumor location, extent of resection and involvement of vertebral artery/lower cranial nerves did not influence SC and RFSC. Recurrence rate was 7.7%. Operative mortality was 0. Main complications were transient (38.5%) and permanent (7.7%) lower cranial nerve deficits, cerebrospinal fluid fistula (30.8%), and transient and permanent respiratory difficulties in 7.7% each. Conclusions: FM meningiomas can be adequately treated in public hospitals in developing countries if a multidisciplinary team is available for managing postoperative lower cranial nerve deficits. .

Objetivo: Analisar as evoluções clínicas de 13 pacientes com meningiomas do forame magno (FM). Método: Foram estudados 13 pacientes com meningiomas do FM (11 Feminino / 2 Masculino) operados por abordagem suboccipital lateral. As evoluções clínicas foram analisadas usando curvas de sobrevida (SC) e de sobrevida livre de doença (RFSC). Resultados: Os 13 tumores eram Grau I da Organização Mundial de Saúde. Ressecções total, subtotal and parcial foram obtidas em 69,2%, 23,1 e 7,7%, respectivamente. A SC foi melhor para homens e a RFSC foi melhor para mulheres. Localização/ extensão da ressecção/envolvimento da artéria vertebral/nervos cranianos baixos não influenciaram a SC/RFSC. A taxa de recorrência foi 7,7%. A mortalidade operatória foi zero. As principais complicações foram déficits de nervos cranianos baixos transitórios (38,5%) e permanentes (7,7%); fístula de líquido cefalorraquidiano (30,8%) e dificuldades respiratórias transitórias e permanentes em 7,7% cada. Conclusões: Meningiomas do FM podem ser adequadamente tratados em hospitais públicos em países em desenvolvimento se houver uma equipe multidisciplinar para cuidar de déficits de nervos cranianos baixos pós-operatórios. .

Microsurgical ressection for parasagittal meningiomas with preservation of the parasagittal sinus and excelent neurovascular control / Ressecção microcirúrgica dos meningiomas parasagitais com excelente controle vascular e preservação do seio longitudinal superior

Objective: It was to observe whether a microsurgical gross total removal (GTR) of a parasagittal meningioma (PSM) outside the sinus is a safe and efficient procedure. Method: We identify 58 parasagittal meningiomas patients. Medical charts, operative reports, imaging studies and clinical follow-up evaluations were reviewed. Results: GTR of the mass was achieved in 45 (77.7%) instances. The surgical mortality rate was 1.7%. The median follow-up time was 63 months. Conclusion: The surgical approach used in this group of patients afford that the great majority of tumors could be totally removed with low mortality, proving to be safe and effective. .

Objetivo: Foi observar se a ressecção microcirúrgica extrassinusal dos meningiomas parasagitais é uma técnica segura e efetiva. Método: Foram estudados 58 pacientes portadores de meningiomas parasagitais. Quadros médicos, relatórios de operações, exames de imagem e seguimento clínico foram revisados. Resultados: A remoção total da lesão, fora do seio, ocorreu em 45 casos (77,7%). A taxa de mortalidade cirúrgica observada nesta série foi de 1,7%. O tempo médio de seguimento foi de 63 meses. Conclusão: A estratégia microcirúrgica empregada propiciou a remoção total dos meningiomas na maioria dos pacientes, com baixa mortalidade e morbidade, mostrando ser segura e efetiva. .

Intraventricular meningiomas in adults: clinical series and review of the literature

Background: Intraventricular meningiomas are rare tumors and pose clinical, radiological, and surgical challenges. Individualized approach helps to establish successful results. Methods: Thirteen patients underwent craniotomy for intraventricular meningioma resection from 1999 to 2007. The mean age was 45 years (23-64), time of presentation between 25 days to three years. There were ten females and three males. Headaches and seizures were the most frequent initial presentations. Tumors were located in the ventricular trigone in 11 patients and in the temporal horn in two. Results: There were seven posterior temporal and seven parieto-occipital transcortical craniotomies, one patient was operated two times. Resection grade was Simpson I in nine patients, Simpson II in four, and Simpson III in one case. Surgical mortality was zero. There were six complications. Two patients had ventriculitis, one patient had hematoma of the surgical bed, one patient had severe post-operative cognitive impairment and one presented with progression of motor deficits. In two patients, there was transient memory disturbance after the parieto-occipital approach. Conclusion: Correct understanding of microsurgical anatomy cooperates for further success in operation of intraventricular meningiomas. Pre-operative embolization is helpful to reduce bleeding when a suitable tumor feeder can be accessed with no reflux. Dynamic changes in the shape of the ventricular cavity have to be considered when planning the most suitable route. Rigorous hemostasis and ventricular drainage are important points to avoid main complication.

Frequency of central nervous system tumors in delta region, Egypt.

Introduction and Aim of Work: Central nervous system (CNS) tumors represent a major public health problem, and their epidemiological data in Egypt have been rather incomplete except for some regional reports. There are no available frequency-based data on CNS tumors in our locality. The objective of this study was to estimate the frequency of CNS tumors in east delta region, Egypt. Materials and Methods: The data were collected during the 8-year period from January 1999 to December 2007 from Pathology Department, Mansoura University, and other referred pathology labs. Examination of HandE stained sections from retrieved paraffin blocks were done in all cases for histopathologic categorization of C.N.S. tumors. Immunohistochemical studies were applied to confirm final histopathologic diagnosis in problematic cases. Results: Intracranial tumors represented 86.7% of cases in comparison to only 13.3% for spinal tumors. Gliomas were the CNS tumors of the highest frequency (35.2%), followed by meningioma (25.6%), pituitary adenoma (11.6%) and nerve sheath tumors (6.6%). 10.25% of tumors were of children <15 years. Conclusion: This study provides the largest series of the relative frequency of CNS tumors in Delta region in Egypt till now and may help to give insight into the epidemiology of CNS tumors in our locality.