Meningioma of the temporal convexity in a pediatric patient, case report

Abstract

Introduction: meningioma is a primary neoplasm usually benign originating in the arachnoids. Its presence in pediatric age is rare, with numerous peculiarities and difficult diagnosis.

Case report: 16-year-old male adolescent, white skin color and urban origin. He presented with right temporal pain of mild intensity, sometimes associated with chewing, initially interpreted as temporomandibular dysfunction. Over time he began to notice an increase in right temporal volume and headache that increased, also presenting a generalized tonic-clonic seizure. The neurological examination was negative and palpation of the region revealed a hard tumor, compatible with bone, which was not painful. Simple axial computerized tomography of the skull showed a bony lesion in the temporal convexity at the level of the right pterion, of a blastic nature with an intracranial component occupying the right middle fossa and displacing the midline with perilesional edema. Contrasted imaging studies were performed for further definition, biopsy and surgical planning with excision and cranioplasty. The definitive diagnosis revealed grade-I meningioma meningothelial bone infiltration. The evolution was favorable, and control imaging studies showed total resection with no signs of recurrence, although treatment for seizures was maintained.

Conclusions: meningiomas are infrequent tumors in pediatric patients, which require a comprehensive physical examination and clinical interpretation to achieve its early detection. Imaging studies allow establishing the diagnosis of meningiomas, and total surgical resection contributes to a favorable outcome.