Recurrent intracranial meningioma with multiple pulmonary metastases: A case report.

Meningiomas are slow-growing tumors, which are generally considered to be benign and rarely metastasize. Although cases of extracranial metastatic meningioma have previously been reported, multiple pulmonary metastases from a benign intracranial meningioma is particularly rare. In the present report, a case of recurrent transitional meningioma with multiple lung nodules, which were demonstrated to be metastatic meningioma, is presented. A 54-year-old female patient received surgical resection of the tumor located in the left base of the middle cranial fossa in 2006. Post-surgery pathological examination indicated a transitional meningioma of World Health Organization grade I. The tumor recurred at the original site 1 year and 3 months later and was completely surgically removed once again. Radiotherapy was administered following the second surgery. Gamma Knife was used to remove the recurrent tumor 18 months following the second surgery. Simultaneously, a chest computed tomography scan revealed multiple pulmonary nodules, which were demonstrated to be metastatic meningioma following wedge resection of the superior lobe of the right lung. The clinical behavior of meningioma does not always correlate with the classification of meningioma. A higher rate of cellular proliferation is not essential for extracranial metastasis, and an individual meningioma of any type may metastasize. Comprehensive examinations should be performed for patients with a history of recurrent intracranial meningioma to detect any distant metastases as early as possible, even when the primary tumor is benign.

[Application of intraoperative ultrasound combined with neuronavigation for resection of intracranial cavernous malformations in minimally invasive neurosurgery].

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the reliability and clinical value of intraoperative ultrasound combined with neuronavigation for resection of intracranial cavernous malformations. METHODS: From January 2007 to December 2009, 40 cases of intracranial cavernous malformations were operated under the application of intraoperative ultrasound combined with neuronavigation. There were 18 male and 22 female, aged 18 to 58 years, with a mean age of 34.5 years. Neuronavigation was used for all patients before operation to display the three-dimensional model of nervous system and lesions, so to design the operative approach and determine the scope of the incision. Lesions were allocated by real-time neuronavigation in order to continuously verify the accuracy of operative approach during the operation, supplemented by real-time monitoring of intraoperative ultrasound to guide the process of surgery and determine the extent of resection of lesions. RESULTS: The registration error of neuronavigation was 1.3 - 3.2 mm, with an average of 2.0 mm. All the patients' three-dimensional model of nervous system and lesions were satisfactorily displayed, and the area of lesions were all accurately located. Structural brain-shifts occurred in 4 cases in the remove process of the lesion, with shift degree 5.0 - 10.0 mm, and were corrected by intraoperative ultrasound. All lesions were well displayed by intraoperative ultrasound. Gross total resection was achieved in all patients, with no patient infected or dead. Neurological deterioration was seen in 2 patients, the morbidity was 5.0%. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of neuronavigation and intraoperative ultrasound for resection of intracranial cavernous malformations can provide valuable intraoperative informations of the location and resection level of the lesion, thereby maximize the accuracy of lesion localization and the extent of resection, with less complications and enhanced efficacy of the surgery.

[Clinical study of patients of arachnoid cyst associated with chronic subdural hematoma].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical characteristics and treatment strategy of arachnoid cyst associated with chronic subdural hematoma. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was made for 11 cases of arachnoid cyst associated with chronic subdural hematoma at our hospital from December 1999 to December 2009. There were 9 males and 2 females with a mean age of 23.1 years old (range: 7 - 68). Their clinical characteristics were summarized. The symptoms included headache (n = 10) and facial muscle twitching & eye squinting (n = 1). History of previous head injury were found in 6 cases, strenuous exercise in 1 case and no history of injury in 4 cases. RESULTS: The clinical symptoms of 3 patients worsened after a conservative treatment and underwent a burred-hole procedure with drainage of hematoma. And 7/9 patients undergoing a burred-hole procedure with drainage of hematoma had a full recovery. But 2/9 had recurrent subdural hematoma at Days 20 and 40 post-operation respectively and underwent the same procedure. Another 2 cases underwent craniotomy to remove subdural hematoma and arachnoid cyst and had stayed free of any symptom since then. All patients were followed up for 10 - 154 months after discharge. And none had recurrent subdural hematoma. All could study, work or live normally with a KPS (Karnofsky performance scale) score of 80 or more. CONCLUSION: Arachnoid cysts is a possible risk factor for subdural hematoma, especially in young adults. Chronic subdural hematoma generally develops within 1 - 3 months after head injury. And a common clinical presentation is headache. A burred-hole procedure with drainage of hematoma is adequate as the first-line treatment for arachnoid cyst associated with chronic subdural hematoma.