Imaging Features of Extra Cranial Parapharyngeal Space Meningioma: Case Report

Abstract

Parapharyngeal tumors are less common in clinical practice and are often difficult to diagnose upon clinical examination due to the anatomic complexity of the region. We report a rare case of extracranial parapharyngeal space meningioma presenting as a cervical mass with encasement of cranial nerves giving tram track appearance and features on various imaging modalities [Radiographs, Ultrasound, Computed tomography (CT) scan and Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)].

Ectopic meningioma in a patient with neurofibromatosis Type 2: a case report and review of the literature

“…1 Four hypotheses regarding the development of ectopic meningiomas have been proposed; that they arise due to (1) metastasis from an intracranial meningioma, (2) direct extension from an intracranial lesion, (3) growth from embryonic nests of arachnoid cells, and (4) the development of arachnoid cells within cranial nerve sheaths. 10 According to these hypotheses, our case may have arisen from the cranial nerves with extracranial parapharyngeal extension. It has also been suggested that primary ectopic meningiomas of the head and neck are related to neurofibromatosis, particularly NF2.…”

Parapharyngeal meningioma extending through foramen ovale: a case report

“…Meningiomas rarely extend out of their intracranial confines through the skull foramen to present as a neck mass. Extension and presentation into parapharyngeal space are exceedingly rare ( 8 ). This study presents a rare parapharyngeal meningioma originating from basicranial dura extending into parapharyngeal space through the foramen ovale of the skull base.…”