Background: Meningioangiomatosis is a meningovascular disorder that only rarely occurs in association with a meningioma. Occasionally, as in this case, imaging studies do not readily identify this disorder as a benign process. In addition, this disorder may infiltrate the underlying cerebral cortex, simulating, intraoperatively, a malignant infiltrative process. To allow better recognition of this disorder, we report a case with emphasis on the unique cytologic features of the 2 components (meningioangiomatosis and meningioma) and potential pitfalls in diagnosis.
Case: A 3-year-old girl was examined in the neurosurgery service for history of refractory seizure. Neuroimaging showed an ill-defined signal abnormality in the left frontal lobe suggestive of a high-grade tumor. Tumor resection was performed, and intraoperative smear preparation showed meningioangiomatosis associated with meningioma.
Conclusion: Familiarity with cytologic preparations of this rare variant is very important in providing accurate intraoperative consultation. To our knowledge, this is the first description of the cytologic features on smear preparation of meningioangiomatosis occurring in association with meningioma.