Primary ectopic meningioma of the neck: MR features.
Although meningiomas represent 15% of the tumors of the CNS, primary ectopic meningioma is a very rare finding. Four mechanisms for the formation of ectopic meningioma have been suggested: (a) direct extension of an intracranial lesion; (b) distant metastasis from an intracranial meningioma; (c) origin from arachnoid cells within the sheaths of cranial nerves; and (d) origin from embryonic nests of arachnoid cells. The case we present underwent a complete neuroradiological screening, and, although the neuroradiological findings were nonspecific to provide a correct diagnosis, they were useful for assessment of the tumor extension and for surgical planning. Particularly, magnetic resonance gave a panoramic view of the tumor and suggested its extensive vascularization, which was confirmed later by angiography.
Tampieri
D
D
Department of Radiology, Montreal Neurological Hospital and Institute, McGill University, Quebec, Canada.
Pokrupa
R
R
Melanson
D
D
Ethier
R
R
D000328:Adult; D002339:Carotid Arteries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D002828:Choristoma / Q000098:blood supply / Q000175:diagnosis*; D004388:Dura Mater; D005260:Female; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000098:blood supply / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D008577:Meningeal Neoplasms / Q000098:blood supply / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008579:Meningioma / Q000098:blood supply / Q000175:diagnosis*; D011859:Radiography; D014711:Vertebral Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging