Unusual skull tumors with psammomatoid bodies: A diagnostic challenge

Timothy E. Richardson, Maria Magdalena Georgescu, Payal Kapur, Helena Hwang, Samuel L. Barnett, Jack M. Raisanen, Chunyu Cai, Kimmo J. Hatanpaa

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

Aim: We describe a series of three diagnostically challenging, histologically similar fibro-osseous skull masses. Methods: The cases were identified in our archives among 50,000 neuropathology specimens. A comprehensive review of the histological, immunohistochemical, ultrastructural, and imaging features as well as the clinical outcome was performed. Results: The routine histology was similar in all 3 cases and showed spindle cell proliferations with frequent calcospheres or psammomatoid bodies. There was no evidence of an underlying subdural component. Immunohistochemistry for the meningioma markers EMA and SSTR2A raised the possibility of intraosseous meningioma, as all 3 lesions were convincingly positive for epithelial membrane antigen (EMA) and 1 lesion was convincingly positive for the somatostatin receptor subtype 2A (SSTR2A); weak, questionable positivity for SSTR2 was present in the remaining 2 cases. In addition, electron microscopy was available in 1 case and showed features consistent with meningioma. Conclusions: Overall, the findings were most consistent with intraosseous meningioma. Primary intraosseous meningiomas are rare lesions that may present a diagnostic challenge. It is important to consider meningiomas in the differential diagnosis, as extradural meningiomas are associated with an increased risk of recurrence and may occasionally undergo malignant transformation.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)114-120
Number of pages7
JournalClinical Neuropathology
Volume36
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - May 1 2017

Keywords

  • EMA
  • Fibrous dysplasia
  • Primary extradural meningioma
  • Primary intraosseous meningioma
  • SSTR2A

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pathology and Forensic Medicine
  • Neurology
  • Clinical Neurology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Unusual skull tumors with psammomatoid bodies: A diagnostic challenge'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this