Recurrent calcified spinal meningioma detected by plain radiograph

• Published in: Spine (Philadelphia, Pa. 1976) Pa. 1976), 2001-06, Vol.26 (11), p.E249-e252
• Main Authors: Doita, M, Harada, T, Nishida, K, Marui, T, Kurosaka, M, Yoshiya, S
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aged; Calcinosis - diagnostic imaging; Calcinosis - surgery; Female; Humans; Laminectomy; Meningeal Neoplasms - diagnostic imaging; Meningeal Neoplasms - physiopathology; Meningeal Neoplasms - surgery; Meningioma - diagnostic imaging; Meningioma - physiopathology; Meningioma - surgery; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Reoperation; Spinal Cord Neoplasms - diagnostic imaging; Spinal Cord Neoplasms - physiopathology; Spinal Cord Neoplasms - surgery; Thoracic Vertebrae; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Walking
• ISSN: 0362-2436
• DOI: 10.1097/00007632-200106010-00005

A case report of a patient presenting with a rare calcified spinal meningioma that recurred and became symptomatic 33 years after initial surgery was performed. To demonstrate a calcified recurrent spinal meningioma visible on a plain radiograph. The present case is discussed in conjunction with a review of previous cases of calcified spinal meningioma. Meningioma is a common spinal tumor that has a favorable prognosis if resected completely. Microscopic calcification is frequently found in spinal meningiomas because of psammoma bodies. However, calcified meningiomas in the spinal canal that can be detected on a plain radiograph are uncommon. To the authors' knowledge, there have been no previous reports of recurrent spinal meningioma with calcification visible on a plain radiograph. A patient experienced difficulty in walking and was diagnosed as having a spinal meningioma. Laminectomies and a total tumor excision were performed. Histologically, the tumor was diagnosed as a psammomatous meningioma. The tumor recurred and became symptomatic 33 years after the initial operation. The tumor was detected on a plain radiograph, appearing as a calcified tumor at the same thoracic level as the site of the initial operation. The recurrent tumor was completely removed, and a histologic examination showed huge psammoma bodies with calcification, but without ossification. Preoperative paraplegia improved after the surgery, and she was able to walk with a crutch. The patient was discharged from the hospital. The recurrent psammomatous meningioma contained clusters of calcified psammoma bodies, resulting in a hard tumor that was visible on a plain radiograph.