Imaging features of extra cranial parapharyngeal space meningioma: case report

Parapharyngeal meningioma extending through foramen ovale: a case report

BACKGROUND

Meningioma is a common non-glial tumor of the brain. Extracranial meningiomas in the parapharyngeal space are especially rare. Herein we report a case of extracranial meningioma in the parapharyngeal space and give a comprehensive description of its complete clinical course and radiological findings, which may provide helpful information in the diagnosis and treatment of extracranial meningiomas in the parapharyngeal space.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 61-year-old man presented a slowly increased mass under the left ear without pain and numbness over one year. Ultrasound examination detected a hypoechoic uneven mass behind the left parotid gland with a clear boundary, and color Doppler flow imaging revealed blood flow signals within the mass. Unenhanced computed tomography (CT) of the craniofacial region revealed a homogenous soft tissue mass in the parapharyngeal space without calcification. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed that a homogenous soft tissue mass was hyperintense on T2-weighted image, hypointense on T1-weighted image, and obviously enhanced after contrast enhancement in the parapharyngeal space. Coronal MRI showed that the lesion originated from basicranial dura extending into parapharyngeal space through the left foramen ovale at the skull base. Finally, histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses confirmed the final diagnosis of extracranial meningiomas in the parapharyngeal space.

CONCLUSION

Extracranial meningiomas of the parapharyngeal space are rare and often pose a diagnostic challenge. Preoperative imaging examinations, especially CT and MRI, can aid in the accurate preoperative diagnosis, especially when intracranial extensions and dural tail signs are observed.

Malignant and Nonmalignant Sinonasal Tumors

Sinonasal tumors are rare, diverse, complex lesions with overlapping demographic and clinical features. Malignant tumors are more common, with a grave prognosis, and require biopsy for accurate diagnosis. This article briefly reviews the classification of sinonasal tumors and provides imaging examples and imaging characteristics of each clinically important nasal and paranasal mass lesions. Although there are no true pathognomonic imaging features, it is important for the radiologist to have a broad knowledge of the various CT and MR imaging findings that can help narrow the differential diagnosis and aid in early diagnosis and mapping of tumor for treatment planning.

Ectopic meningioma in a patient with neurofibromatosis Type 2: a case report and review of the literature

Ectopic meningioma occurring in the region of parapharyngeal space is rare in clinical practice and brings great challenge in its diagnosis. This report details such a case in a 14-year-old girl with neurofibromatosis Type 2, which is a highly infrequent association. The clinical manifestations, imaging findings, and pathological manifestations are described, and the relevant literature is reviewed to highlight characteristic imaging findings of ectopic meningiomas.