Giant intracranial mesenchymal chondrosarcoma with uncal herniation

Hung Shih Lin, Cheng Chia Tsai, Cheng Kuei Chang, Shiu Jau Chen

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Mesenchymal chondrosarcomas are very rare central nervous system (CNS) tumors consisting of undifferentiated mesenchymal cells plus islets of cartilage. We report a case of giant intracranial mesenchymal chondrosarcomas presenting with acute neurologic deterioration. A 22-year-old woman presented with right facial and hand numbness and ocular torsion for about 2 weeks. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) disclosed a mass in the right middle cranial fossa with a mass effect. Two days before scheduled surgery, the patient suddenly lost consciousness and was found to have uncal herniation. At emergency surgery, the tumor was totally excised. Pathologically, there was a dimorphic pattern of undifferentiated cells and islets of cartilage, consistent with mesenchymal chondrosarcoma. Although the patient survived surgery, she remained in a vegetative state. The tumor recurred 3 years after surgery. Intracranial mesenchymal chondrosarcoma is rare and should be considered when evaluating a tumor with dural involvement, particularly in younger adults. Differential diagnoses include intracranial meningioma and schwannoma. An aggressive surgical resection is highly recommended because of the high risk of recurrence.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)93-96
Number of pages4
JournalFormosan Journal of Surgery
Volume45
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2012

Keywords

  • Intracranial neoplasm
  • Intracranial tumors
  • Mesenchymal chondrosarcoma
  • Surgery

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery

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