Paraneoplastic Symptoms Caused by Extracranial Meningioma Metastases?

Background: There are only few reports on distant metastases of cranial meningiomas WHO I. In one-third of the cases, distant metastases seem to be clinically silent. This is the first case of distant metastases which may have manifested with a paraneoplastic syndrome.

Case Description: A 52-year-old white male patient was diagnosed with distant metastases to the bones and liver 11 and 12 years following craniotomy and removal of a tentorial meningioma WHO I. At that time, the patient had developed paresthesia, unsteady gait, and a slight cognitive impairment, which in retrospect had no other explanation than that of a paraneoplastic syndrome. Eighteen years following craniotomy, a small intracranial tumor rest is under control following two single session radiosurgery treatments. At present, the patient has a multitude of bone and liver metastases, which seem to cause his paraneoplastic symptoms.

Conclusion: Screening for malignancies in patients with paraneoplastic symptoms and a history of cranial meningioma should include screening for distant metastases from the meningioma.