Recurrent meningitis associated with meningioma of the mastoid cavity

Abstract

AbstractA 53-year-old female patient who presented with recurrent meningitis as a result of a meningioma, is reported. The meningioma was found to be wholly contained within the left mastoid antrum. To our knowledge this is the first reported case of a meningioma localised to the mastoid antrum. The patient had been assessed in the ENT department on two separate occasions, 17 years and 19 years previously for nebulous symptoms related to the left ear which had cleared spontaneously. Following a second episode of pyogenic meningitis, both of which were associated with aural symptoms, radiological examination suggested an intramastoid pathology which prompted mastoid exploration. Histological examination of the mass confined to the mastoid antum provided the diagnosis of meningioma. There was no clinical or radiological evidence of extratemporal spread of tumour.