Meningioma With Tyrosine-Rich Crystalloids: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Int J Surg Pathol. 2018 Apr;26(2):157-160. doi: 10.1177/1066896917727100. Epub 2017 Aug 17.

Abstract

We report a case of fibrous meningioma with tyrosine-rich crystalloid in the frontal lobe of a middle-aged woman. The patient presented with a history of several years of worsening headaches and blurry vision, which progressed to include syncopal episodes and right-sided weakness. Imaging demonstrated a dural-based extra-axial mass arising from the right orbital roof and extending superiorly along the right frontal convexity causing right-to-left midline shift. The patient underwent a craniotomy and operative resection. Tumor architecture and cytology was similar to that of a Schwannian neoplasm, with spindled cells arranged in a fascicular architecture and displaying focal nuclear palisading. Immunohistochemical stains confirmed a diagnosis of fibrous meningioma. Light microscopy demonstrated extracellular deposits of eosinophilic crystalline material parallel to the spindled tumor cells, reminiscent of "tyrosine-rich" crystals described in salivary gland neoplasms. This is the third meningioma featuring tyrosine-rich crystalloid reported in the literature; we also summarize the previous 2 reports.

Keywords: crystalloid; meningioma; tyrosine.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Meningeal Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Meningioma / pathology*
  • Middle Aged