Occipital lobe meningioma in a patient with multiple chemical sensitivities.
BACKGROUND
The concurrent diagnosis of meningioma with increased intracranial pressure has not been reported previously in a patient who meets diagnostic criteria for multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS).


METHODS
A patient who had been evaluated in an occupational medicine practice, and by several other physicians for sensitivity to chemical odors was found to have papilledema and a visual field deficit. The patient met the clinical criteria set forth by Cullen in 1987 for MCS. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan was performed.


RESULTS
The MRI revealed a large occipital lobe meningioma, which was surgically resected. Removal of the meningioma had little effect on the patient's symptoms. She has been unable to return to her job as a custodian.


CONCLUSIONS
The etiology of MCS has been disputed and is currently unresolved. Those who evaluate patients with MCS are reminded that meningiomas and other intracranial mass lesions can affect olfaction, and that patients with MCS can have treatable intracranial abnormalities.
Moorhead
J F
JF
University of Utah, Rocky Mountain Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112-5120, USA.
Suruda
A J
AJ
D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000150:complications*; D003902:Detergents / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D019586:Intracranial Hypertension / Q000209:etiology; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008579:Meningioma / Q000150:complications*; D008875:Middle Aged; D018777:Multiple Chemical Sensitivity / Q000150:complications*; D009778:Occipital Lobe / Q000473:pathology*; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000150:complications*; D010211:Papilledema / Q000209:etiology; D014786:Vision Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D014794:Visual Fields
D003902:Detergents