Multiple Pulmonary Metastases following Total Removal of a Bilateral Parasagittal Meningioma with Complete Occlusion of the Superior Sagittal Sinus: Report of a Case

Is DNA Methylation a Ray of Sunshine in Predicting Meningioma Prognosis?

Meningioma is the most common intracranial tumor, and recent studies have drawn attention to the importance of further research on malignant meningioma. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) grading, meningioma is classified into 15 subtypes with three grades of malignancy. However, due to a lack of descriptions of molecular subtypes, genetic mutations, or other features, there were deficiencies in the WHO classification. The DNA methylation-based meningioma classification published in 2017 used DNA copy number analysis, mutation profiling, and RNA sequencing to distinguish six clinically relevant methylation classes, which contributed to a better prediction of tumor recurrence and prognosis. Further studies indicated that gene variation and gene mutations, such as those in neurofibromin 2 (NF2) and BRCA1, were related to the high WHO grade, malignant invasion, and recurrence. Among the mutant genes described above, some have been associated with differential DNA methylation. Herein, we searched for articles published in PubMed and Web of Science from January 2000 to May 2020 by entering the keywords “meningioma,” “methylation,” and “gene mutation,” and found a number of published studies that analyzed DNA methylation in meningiomas. In this review, we summarize the key findings of recent studies on methylation status and genetic mutations of meningioma and discuss the current deficits of the WHO grading. We also propose that a methylation-based meningioma classification could provide clues in the assessment of individual risk of meningioma recurrence, which is associated with clinical benefits for patients.

Metastatic meningioma: Case report of a WHO grade I meningioma with liver metastases and review of the literature

Meningioma represents the most frequently diagnosed primary brain tumor, accounting for over one-third of central nervous system neoplasms. The majority of tumors are categorized as benign. However, albeit rarely, meningiomas may metastasize to distant sites. We describe a 78-year-old man with a history of recurrent World Health Organization grade I meningioma managed who presented for evaluation of weakness and urinary retention. A computed tomography scan obtained in the emergency department revealed multiple scattered low-density liver lesions. Subsequent magnetic resonance imaging showed a 5.5-centimeter heterogeneous enhancing mass with 2 smaller enhancing lesions suspicious for a primary or secondary malignant neoplasm. Microscopic examination of a tissue sample obtained via liver biopsy demonstrated a metastatic spindle cell neoplasm with histologic features compatible with a diagnosis of World Health Organization grade I transitional meningioma. The patient was referred to hematology/oncology for systemic therapy.

Extensive Pulmonary Metastases 13 Years after Initial Resection of Intracranial Meningioma

Background

Extracranial metastasis from intracranial meningioma is a very rare condition. A current literature review reveals that only few cases are documented with extensive pulmonary involvement >10 years after initial intracranial meningioma resection. Diagnosis of pulmonary meningioma is often confirmed by computed tomography chest-guided core biopsies. The prognosis of extensive metastatic pulmonary meningioma, however, is unknown and there is no gold standard treatment option.

Case Description

We present a case of multiple pulmonary meningioma metastases developing 13 years after initial resection of left occipital parafalcine World Health Organization Grade I intracranial meningioma.

Conclusion

There are no established guidelines for the optimal management or surveillance of extensive pulmonary metastatic meningioma. In patients with high-grade meningioma and multiple cannonball pulmonary lesions, metastatic meningioma should be considered as part of the differential diagnosis. Metastatic meningioma may occur even a decade after initial tumour resection.

Multiple pulmonary metastases in recurrent intracranial meningioma: Case report and literature review

Multiple pulmonary metastases from meningioma are rare. We report here a 59-year-old man with multiple pulmonary metastases from a recurrent intracranial meningioma. The primary intracranial tumour in the left occiput was totally excised in 2009. Pathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of atypical meningioma and adjuvant radiotherapy was given to help prevent recurrence. However, recurrence occurred in the left occipital region in 2011 and the meningioma was re-excised in 2012. At the same time, multiple metastases in the right pulmonary lobe were found and excised 3 months after the second craniotomy. The patient has not developed any further recurrence or metastases to date. Neurosurgeons should be aware of the occurrence of pulmonary metastases in patients with intracranial meningioma; potential predictive factors include atypical meningioma, venous sinus invasion, recurrence or previous intracranial surgery, and loss of heterozygosity.

Case Report: Pulmonary metastases of malignant meningioma

Meningioma accounts for approximately one-third of primary central nervous system tumors. Most meningiomas are benign, although up to one third are classified as atypical or malignant. We describe a 63-year Caucasian male presenting with pleural metastases from an intracranial meningioma. Distant metastases from meningiomas are infrequently found in clinical practice and mostly are associated with atypical or malignant meningiomas. There is no standard treatment; however surgical resection of both the primary and metastatic lesions is the safest therapy. The overall prognosis of atypical meningiomas is poor. Our patient died one week after discharge from our hospital.

Case Report: Pulmonary metastases of malignant meningioma

Meningioma accounts for approximately one-third of primary central nervous system tumors. Most meningiomas are benign, although up to one third are classified as atypical or malignant. We describe a 63-year Caucasian male presenting with pleural metastases from an intracranial meningioma. Distant metastases from meningiomas are infrequently found in clinical practice and mostly are associated with atypical or malignant meningiomas. There is no standard treatment; however surgical resection of both the primary and metastatic lesions is the safest therapy. The overall prognosis of atypical meningiomas is poor. Our patient died one week after discharge from our hospital.