Sylvian cleft meningioma: surgical approach and postoperative morbidity.

BACKGROUND

Meningiomas without dural attachments are rare, and are commonly diagnosed postoperatively. We here report a case of meningioma and examine the surgical options.

METHOD: We reviewed the case record of the patient who presented with a right sylvian cleft meningioma as well as relevant literature on the subject.

RESULT: Brain CT scan performed on a 73-year-old woman on admission for non-specific symptoms revealed. a heterodense temporoparietal mass which was demonstrated on carotid angiography as being fed by the middle cerebral artery. Preoperatively, a glioma was considered as being most probable because of its radiological features. The mass, which at surgery was found to be located in the sylvian fissure, was however histologically confirmed to be a meningotheliomatous meningioma with fibroblastic component

CONCLUSION

The surgical approach to meningioma of the sylvian cleft is a prime determinant of outcome following tumour resection. Making an appropriate approach largely depends on making a correct preoperative diagnosis for which a high index of suspicion is necessary.