Spinal Epidural Meningioma of the Thoracic Spine: Case Report

ABSTRACT

Spinal meningiomas account for approximately 25% of all primary neoplasms of the spinal cord and spinal canal. Most spinal meningiomas are located in the intradural extramedullary space. Meningiomas which are primarily and solely epidural have been reported very infrequently. With the locational difference, the solely epidural meningiomas are more likely to be invasive, to be more vascular and probably have more rapid course than other spinal meningiomas. They may also be more likely to recur. Because of this, every effort should be made to be sure all the tumor is removed. Recently, we experienced a case of the meningioma lying solely epidural within the thoracic spinal canal, and we report it with a brief review of the literature.