Acute haemorrhage into a microcystic meningioma leading to cerebral herniation

Abstract

Low-grade (WHO level I) meningiomas are slow-growing, benign tumours typically presenting with unspecific symptoms (e.g. headache), seizures, cranial nerve compression and neuropsychological symptoms determined by location and size of the lesion. Haemorrhagic onset and sequelae are rare, and have been described infrequently. This is a case of a 50-year-old male presenting with signs of tentorial herniation secondary to hyperacute intratumoural haemorrhage (ITH) into a previously undiagnosed meningioma. Emergency surgical decompression and exstirpation of the lesion helped to achieve a favourable outcome. ITH has been described in all including benign intracranial neoplasms. Factors associated with a higher risk for haemorrhage in meningiomas are discussed. Though haemorrhages associated with meningiomas have been reported, ITH into low-grade meningiomas leading to herniation remains a rarity. Bearers of known lesions and their treating physicians who opt for conservative or delayed treatment should be aware of this remote complication.

Keywords:

• herniation
• intratumoural haemorrhage
• low-grade meningioma