Metastatic adenocarcinoma of the dura mimicking petroclival meningioma--case report

Neurol Med Chir (Tokyo). 2004 Jun;44(6):317-20. doi: 10.2176/nmc.44.317.

Abstract

A 27-year-old female presented with gait disturbance and left facial paresthesia. She had a history of breast and lung masses not yet identified. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging revealed a tumor suggesting a petroclival meningioma. Her symptoms worsened rapidly. MR imaging showed enlargement of the tumor. Subtotal removal of the tumor was performed. Histological examination revealed metastatic adenocarcinoma. Examination of the other masses confirmed adenocarcinoma originating from lung carcinoma. Dural metastases can be difficult to preoperatively differentiate from meningioma clinically or radiographically. MR spectroscopy and laboratory examinations such as cytologic and serologic studies are valuable for differential diagnosis. The final diagnosis of the tumor depends on the histological findings. However, careful monitoring of the patient's course is very important to detect rapid growth of metastases.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / diagnostic imaging
  • Adenocarcinoma / secondary*
  • Adult
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology
  • Cerebral Angiography
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Dura Mater / diagnostic imaging
  • Dura Mater / pathology*
  • Female
  • Headache / diagnosis
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms / pathology
  • Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
  • Meningeal Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Meningeal Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Meningioma / diagnostic imaging
  • Meningioma / pathology*
  • Petrous Bone / blood supply
  • Petrous Bone / diagnostic imaging
  • Petrous Bone / pathology*