Aggressive Meningiomas : Clinical Experiences of 8 Cases

Kim, D G; Jung, H W; Han, D H

Abstract

Meningiomas are conventionally regarded as benign tumors that can be easily excised. However, some groups of meningiomas grow very fast, and recur more frequently than "classic" meningiomas. Authors reviewed eight cases of meningiomas that showed aggressive clinical behavior. These comprised 5 males and 3 females. Age rangel from 21 to 65 years, with an average of 37 years. The histopathological diagnosis of 8 cases were : 6 hemangiopericytic type, 1 papillary type, and 1 syncytial type meningioma. They recurred frequently during the short-period of time in spiite of gross total resection of the mass. Two of these patients were dead as a result of recurrence. The common findings of computed tomography scan were hyperdensity on precontrast scan(7/8), irregular tumor margin(5/8), penetrating fronds of tumor into the brain(5/8), central necrosis(5/8), and absence of calcifications. We suggest that the meningiomas, showing radiological and pathological features of aggressiveness, should be removed competely and be treated with radiation therapy.