Keywords
brain stone - calcifying pseudoneoplasm - cerebral calculi - fibro-osseous lesion
- neural axis
Introduction
Fibro-osseous lesions, also reported as cerebral calculi, brain stones, or calcifying
pseudoneoplasms of the neuraxis are extremely rare. These lesions demonstrate a characteristic
histopathologic appearance. Since the first report by Miller in 1922,[1] 29 articles (56 cases) have been reported in the international literature.[1]
[2]
[3]
[4]
[5]
[6]
[7]
[8]
[9]
[10]
[11]
[12]
[13]
[14]
[15]
[16]
[17]
[18]
[19]
[20]
[21]
[22]
[23]
[24]
[25]
[26]
[27]
[28]
[29] These lesions appear to be slow growing and usually carry an excellent prognosis
with gross total excision.
The pathogenesis of these lesions remains unclear, but a reactive proliferative process,
rather than a neoplastic one, is favored by most investigators.[2]
[3]
[4]
[5]
[6]
[7] In addition, it is also believed that this lesion is probably an unusual expression
of tumoral calcinosis. They can occur anywhere within the neuraxis, both intra-axial
and extra-axial. The patients with intracranial lesion often presented with seizure,
headache, or other symptoms related to local compression, whereas patients with spinal
lesion commonly presented with pain in the affected area. In this report we describe
our experience of calcifying pseudoneoplasms, one located in the infratemporal fossa
adjacent to the foramen rotundum, and the other in the posterior fossa involving one
of the occipital condyles (previously reported), both of which caused cranial nerve
deficits.[8] The appearance of this unusual tumor is illustrated, the radiological evaluation
and pathological findings are discussed, and the literature is reviewed.
Case Reports
Case 1
A 56-year-old man with a history of chronic right-ear infections had images ordered
by his primary care physician for evaluation. A computed tomography (CT) scan and
subsequent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan were performed. These images showed
a partially calcified mass in the anterior infratemporal fossa on the right side.
The patient was also having right-sided facial numbness and occasional orbital pain
around the maxillary branch of the trigeminal nerve (V2). He was seen and evaluated
by an otolaryngologist, who attempted a transnasal approach to the lesion. However,
due to technical difficulties in gaining complete access to the lesion, the surgery
was unsuccessful. The patient was referred to our institution to be considered for
a skull base approach to excise the lesion.
Examination
A CT scan revealed a partially calcified mass lesion located inferior to the floor
of the right anterior temporal fossa ([Fig. 1A]). MRI demonstrated a mass that was heterogeneous in signal ([Figs. 1B, C, D]). The mass measured 2.0 × 1.9 cm in greatest dimensions. It was largely hyperintense
on the T2-weighted image, with multiple small-lobulated areas of hypointensity within.
There were some areas of mild heterogeneous enhancement within the lesion. The mass
abutted the floor of the posterior aspect of the right orbit.
Figure 1 Pre- and post-operative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography
(CT) images (Case 1) Preoperative coronal CT scan demonstrated a mass with calcification
in the right infratemporal fossa (A). Preoperative axial, coronal, and sagittal postcontrast
MRIs (B, C, D) demonstrated a mass in the right infratemporal fossa. The mass was
heterogenous in signal. Postoperative MRI demonstrated no obvious residual tumor (E).
Operation
A right preauricular anterior infratemporal fossa skull base approach was performed.
After myocutaneous flap elevation, the anterior temporal region was well exposed.
A subtemporal craniotomy was made. The V2 nerve was exposed easily at the markedly
enlarged foramen rotundum with the extradural temporopolar approach. The mass was
identified under the V2 nerve. The tumor was gradually elevated from the surrounding
tissues with careful attention to the abducens nerve. It was a very smooth, rounded
mass with a large roundish central core of calcification. Postoperative course was
uneventful. His facial numbness still remained slightly, but he denied any orbital
pain. Postoperative MRI demonstrated no obvious residual tumor ([Fig. 1E]).
Pathological Examination
Multiple pinkish-white tissue fragments and bone fragments were noted within the lesion,
with an aggregate dimension of 3.5 × 3.0 × 1.0 cm. Microscopic examination showed
a sparsely cellular fibromyxoid stroma containing bland fibroblastic nuclei and scattered
blood vessels. It also showed a large nerve with associated ganglion cells involved
by hypocellular fibrillar tissue that is partly calcified ([Fig. 2A]). There was no evidence of neoplasia, malignancy, or acute inflammation. There was
no epidermal inclusion cyst or squamous epithelium, nor was there keratin. Immunohistochemical
analysis was not performed in this case. The final histological diagnosis was consistent
with a calcifying pseudoneoplasm.
Figure 2 Photomicrograph microscopic examination of Case 1 showed a sparsely cellular fibromyxoid
stroma containing bland fibroblastic nuclei, scattered blood vessels, and a large
nerve with associated ganglion cells involved by hypocellular fibrillar tissue with
extensive calcification that is amorphous (A). No epithelial component is seen. Hematoxylin
and eosin (H & E), original magnification x10. Photomicrograph of surgical specimens
obtained in Case 2 demonstrating calcified tissue containing amorphous granular and
fibrillar material (B). There are focal ossification and cells that resemble meningothelial
cells (H & E, original magnification x10). A higher magnified image at x20 (left upper) showing spindle cells on the perimeter.
Case 2
A 35-year-old man presented with a 6-month history of progressively worsening occipital
headaches with some generalized fatigue, tinnitus, and dizziness.
Examination
Initial neurological examination showed a slight asymmetry of the soft palate and
the tongue deviation toward the left side. Neither obvious tongue atrophy nor any
fasciculations were noted. He had a subtle left dysmetria and a negative Romberg's
sign. He eventually underwent CT and MRI scans. The CT scan demonstrated a large calcified
mass in the left posterior fossa that appeared to arise from the left occipital condyle,
causing mass effect onto the brainstem and cerebellum. MRI imaging demonstrated a
4.3 × 2.9 × 2.9 cm mass that involved the left posterior aspect of the clivus and
extended exophytically into the posterior fossa ([Fig. 3A, B]). A majority of the mass projected intradurally. There was rightward deviation of
the brainstem and narrowing of the inferior aspect of the fourth ventricle.
Figure 3 Pre- and post-operative axial magnetic resonance (MR) images (Case 2). Preoperative
axial pre- and post-contrast T1-weighted MR images showing a mass compression to the
brainstem with heterogeneous rim enhancement (A, B). Postoperative postcontrast T1-weighted
MR image shows the removal of the mass (C).
Operation
A left far-lateral transcondylar approach was performed along with a retro-infralabyrinthine
mastoidectomy. During the partial mastoidectomy, the left sigmoid sinus was found
to be occluded. The mastoidectomy was followed anteriorly until the facial nerve was
identified. The lateral suboccipital craniotomy was then performed and the foramen
magnum was opened. The tumor had eroded through the bone into the foramen magnum.
The condyle then was partially resected. The condyle was filled with tumor, which
was mostly calcified; the presence of large balls of calcium made us think that this
might have been a meningioma. The dura was involved with the tumor. Underneath, a
hard bony mass was found, which was removed in a piecemeal fashion. Some of the softer
calcified areas were removed using an ultrasonic aspirator. The eleventh cranial nerve
(CN11) was found to be adherent to the tumor. This was separated. The degenerated
cerebellar tonsil was covering a good portion of the tumor, though we would not have
known this without actually exposing the area. A small capsular portion of tumor adherent
to the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) and to the lower cranial nerves
(CNs) (IX and X) was left to avoid damage to the CNs and to the brainstem. The tumor
was resected in a subtotal fashion. Postoperative course was uneventful. Postoperative
neurological examination was normal except for the tongue deviation toward the left
side, which was stable from preoperative examination. Postoperative 6-month MRI demonstrated
only a small remnant of capsule ([Fig. 3-C]).
Pathological Examination
Microscopic examination demonstrated calcified tissue containing amorphous granular
and fibrillar material ([Fig. 2B]). There were focal ossification, cells that resemble meningothelial cells, and palisading
spindle cells around the myxoid amorphous calcifying nodules. Hemosiderin and chronic
inflammation were seen. Tumor cells did not show immunoreactivity for epithelial membrane
antigen (EMA), neuron-specific enolase (NSE), and S-100 protein. The final pathological
diagnosis was consistent with a calcifying pseudoneoplasm.
Discussion
Calcified, fibro-osseous lesions known as calcifying pseudoneoplasms of the neuraxis,
cerebral calculi, or brain stones are extremely rare and are usually seen at the cranial
base, commonly adjacent to the dura mater or the arachnoid.[1]
[2]
[3]
[4]
[5]
[6]
[7]
[8]
[9]
[10]
[11]
[12]
[13]
[14]
[15]
[16]
[17]
[18]
[19]
[20]
[21]
[22]
[23]
[24]
[25]
[26]
[27]
[28]
[29] However, they can occur anywhere within the neuraxis.[2]
[3]
[5] It has been suggested, but not proven, that calcifying pseudoneoplasms may develop
as a healing response to an array of inciting factors, which can account for the variations
in histopathologic features.[3]
[5]
[7] Although the histopathologic characteristics of this unusual lesion are not yet
understood, a reactive rather than a hamartomatous process has been favored.[3]
[5]
Our review of the literature revealed 29 reported articles with 56 cases of these
lesions ([Table 1]). Articles were identified via PubMed search using the key words “fibro-osseous
lesion,” “calcifying pseudoneoplasm,” “pseudotumor,” “cerebral calculi,” “brain stone,”
“neural axis,” “neuraxis,” “central nervous system (CNS),” “intracranial,” “brain,”
and “spine” alone and in combination.
Table 1
Summary of Published Case Reports on Cerebral Calculi, Brain Stones, Fibro-Osseous
Lesions and Calcifying Pseudoneoplasms
|
|
|
|
|
|
Type
|
|
|
|
|
Author/Year
|
Description
|
Age/Sex
|
Symptoms
|
Location
|
Intracranial
|
CVJ
|
Spine
|
Intra-
|
Extra-Dural
|
|
Miller 1922
|
calculi within the brain
|
−
|
−
|
brain
|
+
|
|
|
+
|
|
|
Swartenbroekx 1962
|
brain stones
|
−
|
−
|
brain
|
+
|
|
|
+
|
|
|
Tiberin and Beller 1963
|
brain stones or cerebral calculi
|
−
|
−
|
brain
|
+
|
|
|
+
|
|
|
Averback 1977
|
brain stones
|
30M
|
seizure
|
frontal
|
+
|
|
|
+
|
|
|
Rhodes and Davis 1978
|
fibro-osseous component
|
27F
|
HA
|
frontal
|
+
|
|
|
+
|
|
|
|
55F
|
autopsy finding
|
brain, dura
|
+
|
|
|
+
|
|
|
|
60M
|
autopsy finding
|
cerebellum
|
+
|
|
|
+
|
|
|
|
74F
|
autopsy finding
|
brain, dura
|
+
|
|
|
+
|
|
|
|
46M
|
autopsy finding
|
4th ventricle
|
+
|
|
|
+
|
|
|
|
62M
|
autopsy finding
|
pineal meninges
|
+
|
|
|
+
|
|
|
|
83M
|
autopsy finding
|
brain, dura
|
+
|
|
|
+
|
|
|
Jun and Burdick 1984
|
fibro-osseous lesion
|
55M
|
HA
|
corpus callosum
|
+
|
|
|
+
|
|
|
Maruki et al. 1984
|
brain stone
|
43F
|
seizure
|
temporal
|
+
|
|
|
+
|
|
|
Hashimoto et al. 1986
|
brain stone
|
29M
|
seizure
|
temporal
|
+
|
|
|
+
|
|
|
Nitta et al. 1987
|
brain stone
|
28F
|
vertigo, nausea
|
cerebellum
|
+
|
|
|
+
|
|
|
Garen et al. 1989
|
fibro-osseous lesion
|
44M
|
facial pain
|
Meckel's cave
|
+
|
|
|
+
|
|
|
Bertoni et al. 1990
|
calcifying pseudoneoplasm
|
31M
|
hoarseness, JF syndrome
|
CPA, JF
|
+
|
|
|
+
|
|
|
|
50M
|
neck pain
|
FM
|
|
+
|
|
+
|
|
|
|
48M
|
XI CN palsy
|
cerebellar tonsil
|
+
|
|
|
+
|
|
|
|
23M
|
back pain
|
spine, T10
|
|
|
+
|
|
+
|
|
|
58M
|
back pain
|
spine, C2-C3
|
|
|
+
|
|
+
|
|
|
32M
|
seizure
|
frontal
|
+
|
|
|
+
|
|
|
|
45F
|
autopsy finding
|
skull base
|
+
|
|
|
ND
|
|
|
|
58M
|
hoarseness, hearing loss
|
JF
|
+
|
|
|
+
|
|
|
|
12M
|
neck pain
|
spine, C6
|
|
|
+
|
|
+
|
|
|
32M
|
back pain
|
spine, L4-L5
|
|
|
+
|
|
+
|
|
|
33F
|
back pain
|
spine, T9
|
|
|
+
|
|
+
|
|
|
68F
|
hip pain
|
spine, L4-L5
|
|
|
+
|
|
+
|
|
|
20F
|
incidental finding
|
spine, C2-C3
|
|
|
+
|
|
+
|
|
|
56F
|
back pain
|
spine, L4-L5
|
|
|
+
|
|
+
|
|
Smith et al. 1994
|
fibro-osseous lesion
|
48M
|
hip pain, leg pain
|
spine, L2-L3
|
|
|
+
|
+
|
|
|
Tokunaga et al. 1995
|
brain stone
|
72F
|
tinnitus, ataxia
|
cerebellum
|
+
|
|
|
+
|
|
|
Qian et al. 1999
|
fibro-osseous lesion
|
33F
|
developmental delay
|
temporal
|
+
|
|
|
+
|
|
|
|
49M
|
LE stiffness
|
upper cervical-clivus
|
|
+
|
|
+
|
|
|
|
59M
|
neck pain, shuffling gait
|
spine, C1-C2
|
|
|
+
|
|
+
|
|
|
47F
|
seizure
|
frontal
|
+
|
|
|
+
|
|
|
Shrier et al. 1999
|
fibro-osseous lesion
|
32F
|
incidental finding
|
temporal
|
+
|
|
|
+
|
|
|
|
59M
|
neck pain
|
FM
|
|
+
|
|
+
|
|
|
Tsugu et al. 1999
|
calcifying pseudotumor
|
22F
|
seizure
|
parietal
|
+
|
|
|
+
|
|
|
Chang et al. 2000
|
calcifying pseudotumor
|
60M
|
neck pain
|
spine, C2
|
|
|
+
|
|
+
|
|
Mayr et al. 2000
|
calcifying pseudoneoplasm
|
58M
|
LE jerkiness
|
spine, T10-T12
|
|
|
+
|
|
+
|
|
|
63M
|
gait dysfunction
|
spine, C3-C4
|
|
|
+
|
|
+
|
|
Albu et al. 2001
|
fibro-osseous lesion
|
53F
|
HA, visual loss
|
frontal-parietal
|
+
|
|
|
+
|
|
|
Tatke et al. 2001
|
calcifying pseudoneoplasm
|
6M
|
seizure
|
temporal
|
+
|
|
|
+
|
|
|
Ghosal et al. 2007
|
cerebral calculi
|
26F
|
seizure
|
lateral ventricle
|
+
|
|
|
+
|
|
|
Park et al. 2008
|
calcifying pseudoneoplasm
|
59F
|
neck pain, radiculopathy
|
spine, C7-T1
|
|
|
+
|
|
+
|
|
Rodrigeuz et al. 2008
|
calcifying pseudoneoplasm
|
67F
|
incidental finding
|
cerebellum
|
+
|
|
|
+
|
|
|
Aiken et al. 2009
|
calcifying pseudoneoplasm
|
16F
|
incidental finding
|
temporal, parietal
|
+
|
|
|
+
|
|
|
|
35M
|
seizure
|
temporal
|
+
|
|
|
+
|
|
|
|
49F
|
seizure
|
hippocampus
|
+
|
|
|
+
|
|
|
|
59M
|
UE numbness
|
parietal
|
+
|
|
|
+
|
|
|
Montibeller et al. 2009
|
calcifying pseudoneoplasm
|
67F
|
dizziness
|
inferior colliculus
|
+
|
|
|
+
|
|
|
Mohapatra et al. 2010
|
calcifying pseudoneoplasm
|
48M
|
seizure
|
temporal
|
+
|
|
|
+
|
|
|
Tong et al. 2010
|
calcifying pseudoneoplasm
|
67F
|
back pain, inability to walk
|
spine, L4-L5
|
|
|
+
|
|
+
|
|
Hodges et al. 2011
|
calcifying pseudoneoplasm
|
34M
|
HA, dizziness
|
CPA
|
+
|
|
|
+
|
|
|
Ozdemir et al. 2011
|
calcifying pseudoneoplasm
|
53M
|
facial pain
|
FM
|
|
+
|
|
+
|
|
CPA, cerebellopontine angle; CVJ, craniovertebral junction; FM, foramen magnum; HA,
headache; JF, jugular foramen; LE, lower extremities; ND, not described; UE, upper
extremities.
The first reported case was described as “calculi within the brain” by Miller in 1922.[1] The terms “calcifying pseudoneoplasms of the neural axis” was used by Bertoni et
al at first in 1990. There have been 30 male and 23 female patients (gender unknown
in three cases) reported, with ages ranging from 6 to 83 years (mean age 46.1 years).
These lesions most often arose from intracranial space (intracranial type: 37 cases;
66.1%) followed by spine (spine type: 15 cases; 26.8%) and craniovertebral junction
(CVJ type: four cases; 7.1%). The mean age of intracranial type, CVJ type, and spine
type were 44.6, 52.8, and 47.7 year respectively.
The patients with intracranial type most commonly presented with seizure (31.6%) followed
by headache (13.2%) and cerebellar sign (5.3%).[1]
[2]
[3]
[4]
[5]
[6]
[7]
[8]
[9]
[10]
[11]
[12]
[13]
[14]
[15]
[16]
[17]
[18]
[19]
[20]
[21]
[22]
[23] Three patients (8.1%) were found incidentally, and seven cases (18.9%) were autopsy
findings. Only four cases out of 37 presented with symptoms related to CN involvement.[2]
[3]
[17] Over half of the intracranial type lesions were seen in the supratentorial region
(54.1%). Infratentorial lesions were seen in 29.7% of them (not described in six cases).
The patients with CVJ type most commonly presented with neck pain (75%), followed
by headache (25%), facial pain (25%) and lower-extremity stiffness.[3]
[5]
[20]
[24] Three of four cases were mainly located at the foramen magnum and another at the
clivus to the upper cervical spine.
The patients with the “spinal” type commonly presented with pain in the affected area
(86.7%: back pain; seven cases, neck pain; four cases, hip pain; two cases; and leg
pain, one case) and gait disturbance (20.0%) or sensorial disturbance (13.3%).[3]
[5]
[25]
[26]
[27]
[28]
[29] Only one case (6.6%) was found incidentally. The lesions were seen at the cervical
spine (46.7%), lumber spine (33.3%), and thoracic spine (20%). Among them, C2, T-10,
and L4-L5 were the most commonly affected levels. Interestingly, 86.7% of the spine
type lesions were found at the extradural location near the intervertebral disc level
(one case in the subarachnoid space), whereas all cases except for one (97.7%; not
described in one case) of intracranial type and all of CVJ-type lesions occurred in
the intradural space. Only two cases out of 57 reported cases had suffered a recurrence
a couple of years after the initial excision, however, the outcome is often considered
to be excellent even if the tumor was not resected completely.[3]
[25]
When considering the differential diagnosis for calcifying intra-axial or extra-axial
lesions, the uniform T1 and T2 hypointensity without solid enhancement is a key distinguishing
feature.[2] The primary differential considerations for the extra-axial calcifying pseudoneoplasms
at the skull base are meningioma, chordoma, chondrosarcoma, and vestibular schwannoma.
Specifically, the uniform T2 hypointensity without enhancement would be unusual for
chordoma, chondrosarcoma, or vestibular schwannoma. Important differential diagnosis
considerations for intra-axial calcified masses include such tumors as gangliogliomas
and oligodendrogliomas, vascular lesions such as cavernous malformations ,and even
infections such as tuberculosis.[2]
[3] The differential diagnosis for spine lesions included disc herniation, synovial
cyst, epidural abscess, meningioma, or possibly an old calcified hematoma.[26]
Calcifying pseudoneoplasms are composed of fibro-osseous tissue with an amorphous
calcification mixed with spindle and giant cells palisading generally around the chondroid
or calcifying material.[2]
[3]
[4]
[5]
[6]
[7] Microscopically, the differential diagnosis of calcifying pseudoneoplasms includes
a variety of reactive lesions such as granulomatous disease, herniated disk material,
and even neoplastic lesions like chondroid chordoma, chondroma, chondrosarcoma, metaplastic
meningioma, or calcified primary parenchymal central nervous system tumors.[6] In most cases, immunohistochemistry findings for vimentin were positive, with negative
staining for glial fibrillary acidic protein and S-100.[3]
[5]
[6]
[17]
[19] Vimentin immunoreactivity was noted in peripheral palisading cells, but the intensity
varied from case to case.[5]
[17] EMA was sometimes positive for the spindle, stromal, and epithelioid cells surrounding
the matrix[2]
[5]
[6] and was negative in some other cases.[4]
[7]
[19] However, unfortunately, immunohistochemical findings have not contributed significantly
in determining the histogenesis of calcifying pseudoneoplasms.[27]
The classic histopathologic features in calcifying pseudoneoplasms include a distinctive
set of common elements: (1) typical chondromyxoid matrix in a nodular pattern; (2)
palisading spindle to epithelioid cells; (3) variable amounts of fibrous stroma, (4)
calcification, osseous metaplasia, and scattered psammoma bodies; and (5) foreign-body
reaction with giant cells.[5] However, not all classic histopathologic signs are present in all calcifying pseudoneoplasms.
The presence of each component is highly variable in individual lesions. In our reported
cases, the pathological examination (second case) demonstrated the typical characteristics
of a calcifying pseudoneoplasm; however, the first case we reported showed only some
of these features.
Conclusion
Calcifying pseudoneoplasms appear to be slow-growing lesions that tend to present
secondary to local compression or irritation of adjacent tissues. Cases with spinal
lesion presented with pain, gait disturbance, radiculopathy, or myelopathy related
to the affected area, and other intracranial lesions presented with seizure, headache,
and cerebellar signs caused by tumor compression. Our two cases demonstrated apparent
CN deficits with encasement or involvement with tumor.
Although calcifying pseudoneoplasms are histopathologically benign, surgical outcome
depends on the tumor location, tumor extension, and the degree of adhesion. Surgical
technique to preserve the involved CNs and vasculature is essential. Given that the
prognosis is favorable even with subtotal resection, we do not recommend performing
an extensive or morbid surgical procedure. It may be sufficient to debulk the tumor
just enough to decompress the neural elements.