Anaplastic spheno-orbital meningioma: rapid growth after extensive exenteration

Abstract

Spheno-orbital meningiomas (SOMs) arise from the sphenoid bone and extend into the orbit. These tumours account for approximately 2% of all orbital lesions.1Shields JA Shields CL Scartozzi R. Survey of 1264 patients with orbital tumors and simulating lesions: the 2002 Montgomery Lecture, part 1.Ophthalmology. 2004; 111: 997-1008Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (700) Google Scholar Presenting symptoms typically include proptosis, diplopia, or optic neuropathy. Most SOMs are CNS World Health Organization (WHO) grade 1 lesions. These are generally considered benign and slow growing. A small proportion of SOMs consists of CNS WHO grade 2 lesions, whereas CNS WHO grade 3 SOMs are very rarely described. These are often called malignant meningiomas. Here we present a CNS WHO grade 3 anaplastic SOM with rhabdoid, sarcomatoid, and epitheloid features that was debulked by means of exenteration.An 87-year-old male was referred for diplopia and anaesthesia along the left maxillary (V2) nerve. Past medical history included hypertension and benign prostatic hyperplasia. There was no personal history of cancer. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a left-sided sphenoid bone meningioma (Fig. 1A, B). The patient was deemed ineligible for neurosurgical intervention. Thus he was treated with external-beam radiation and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Despite 2 rounds of treatment, left visual function deteriorated from 20/50 to no light perception by 5 months after initial presentation. He had progressive pain and proptosis, resulting in 6 mm of axial asymmetry. The right eye and orbit remained unaffected. Repeat MRI revealed expansion of the intraorbital soft tissue component of the tumour while the bony component remained stable (Fig. 1C, D). An incisional biopsy of the tumour was performed. Histopathology was significant for a pleomorphic tumour with increased mitotic activity and areas of necrosis. The sample was not diagnostic, however. Given continued expansion of the tumour (Fig. 1E, F) causing intractable pain, a left orbital exenteration was performed (Fig. 2).Histopathologic analysis of the exenterated tissue showed a pleomorphic tumour. Approximately 25% of the tumour cells showed rhabdoid features including vesicular nuclei, variably prominent nucleoli, eccentrically placed eosinophilic cytoplasm, and globular paranuclear inclusions. In other parts, the tumour appeared cohesive, and some tumour cells showed epithelioid features or eccentric eosinophilic cytoplasm without paranuclear inclusions. Anaplastic foci contained 22 mitotic figures per 10 high-power fields (defined as 0.16 mm2 each; Fig. 1C). Immunohistochemical analysis of the specimen showed positivity for SSTR2A (somatostatin receptor 2A), usually strongly positive in meningiomas, and AE1/AE3, a pan-cytokeratin stain that can be focally positive in meningiomas (Fig. 1D, F). A few tumour cells stained positive for epithelial membrane antigen (Fig. 1E). The tumour had lost expression of H3K27me3 (Fig. 1G). Nuclear expression of BAP1 and INI1 was retained, indicating the wild type of these genes. Based on histopathologic criteria, the final diagnosis was a CNS WHO grade 3 anaplastic SOM with rhabdoid, sarcomatoid, and epithelioid features.Postoperatively, the patient was placed on daily oral steroids for pain control and inflammation. There was rapid new tumour growth along his infraorbital rim, and he died 3 months later.We describe a case of a anaplastic SOM, CNS WHO grade 3, with rhabdoid, sarcomatoid, and epithelioid features as well as loss of H3K27me3 expression. The initial diagnosis of meningioma was inferred by the radiographic features on MRI. However, the diagnosis cannot be confirmed without pathologic specimens.Meningiomas show a broad spectrum of histopathologic subtypes. The histochemical markers most often used in the diagnosis of meningiomas are SSTR2A and epithelial membrane antigen. The monoclonal antibody for SSTR2A is especially helpful in establishing the diagnosis of meningioma when there is poor cellular differentiation. SSTR2A is highly sensitivity and specific for meningiomas; nearly all meningiomas express this marker.WHO grading of CNS tumours has traditionally been based exclusively on histologic features. A WHO grade 3 meningioma is defined by 20 or more mitotic figures in 10 consecutive high-power fields, wherein a high-power field measures 0.16 mm2. Frank anaplastic features such as sarcomatous, carcinomatous, or melanomatous appearance also qualify as a WHO grade 3 lesion. But WHO grading of CNS tumours is no longer restricted to histologic grading. Molecular markers provide powerful prognostic and diagnostic information. The presence of a telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) gene promoter mutation and (or) a homozygous deletion of the CDKN2A or B gene also constitutes a tumour that is a WHO grade 3 meningioma.2Louis DN Perry A Wesseling P et al.The 2021 WHO classification of tumors of the central nervous system: a summary.Neuro Oncol. 2021; 23: 1231-1251Crossref PubMed Scopus (1182) Google Scholar This case was consistent with an anaplastic meningioma, WHO grade 3, given the high mitotic rate (≥20 per high-power field) and the presence of carcinomatous and sarcomatous features. Thus no further molecular testing was performed for tumour grading.Historically, rhabdoid and papillary morphology qualified a CNS meningioma as WHO grade 3. However, up to 50% of meningiomas with rhabdoid features lack aggressive histologic features.3Vaubel RA Chen SG Raleigh DR et al.Meningiomas with rhabdoid features lacking other histologic features of malignancy: a study of 44 cases and review of the literature.J Neuropathol Exp Neurol. 2016; 75: 44-52Crossref PubMed Scopus (44) Google Scholar Therefore, while papillary and rhabdoid features often are seen in combination with aggressive features, grading of these tumours is not done based on rhabdoid or papillary architecture alone. Meningiomas with rhabdoid morphology often harbour breast cancer 1 (BRCA1)-associated protein (BAP1) inactivation.4Shankar GM Abedalthagafi M Vaubel RA et al.Germline and somatic BAP1 mutations in high-grade rhabdoid meningiomas.Neuro Oncol. 2017; 19: 535-545Crossref PubMed Scopus (47) Google Scholar BAP1-negative meningiomas have reduced time to recurrence compared with those that retain BAP1 function. Further, a subset of patients with BAP1-deficient rhabdoid meningiomas harbour germ-line BAP1 mutations.4Shankar GM Abedalthagafi M Vaubel RA et al.Germline and somatic BAP1 mutations in high-grade rhabdoid meningiomas.Neuro Oncol. 2017; 19: 535-545Crossref PubMed Scopus (47) Google Scholar Germ-line mutations in BAP1 result in a tumour predisposition syndrome that confers a high risk for developing other tumours, including uveal melanomas, cutaneous melanomas, pleural or peritoneal malignant mesotheliomas, and renal cell carcinomas. Most patients with germ-line BAP1 mutations develop malignancies earlier in life. Testing for BAP1 inactivation in meningiomas displaying rhabdoid histomorphology provides prognostic information for the patient. Additionally, it can help guide genetic counselling and cancer surveillance for family members of affected individuals.Histochemical and molecular markers are important in the diagnosis and prognosis of meningiomas. In this case, where the diagnosis was ascertained with the exenterated tissue and the prognosis was clinically evident, not all immunostains and genetic tests were performed. In retrospect, SSTR2A staining may have assisted in diagnosing the tumour at the time of incisional biopsy. We would encourage the use of SSTR2A stain during investigation of poorly differentiated CNS tumours. Further, in cases where the diagnosis is made but the prognosis is not clear, testing for a TERT mutation or CDKN2A/B homozygous deletion can offer additional clinical information by predicting an increased risk of recurrence and progression. Loss of H3K27me3 nuclear expression, as occurred in this case, is associated with a potentially worse prognosis.2Louis DN Perry A Wesseling P et al.The 2021 WHO classification of tumors of the central nervous system: a summary.Neuro Oncol. 2021; 23: 1231-1251Crossref PubMed Scopus (1182) Google ScholarSpheno-orbital meningiomas are typically benign and slow growing. The triad of symptoms commonly seen in these tumours is proptosis, diplopia, and optic neuropathy. The average age at presentation is 51 years, and it does not, typically, alter life expectancy.5Terrier L-M Bernard F Fournier H-D et al.Spheno-orbital meningiomas surgery: multicenter management study for complex extensive tumors.World Neurosurg. 2018; 112: e145-e156Crossref PubMed Scopus (32) Google Scholar Approximately 90% of SOMs are CNS WHO grade 1. CNS WHO grade 2 lesions account for nearly the entire remaining 10% of SOMs and have relapse rates between 30%–50%.5Terrier L-M Bernard F Fournier H-D et al.Spheno-orbital meningiomas surgery: multicenter management study for complex extensive tumors.World Neurosurg. 2018; 112: e145-e156Crossref PubMed Scopus (32) Google Scholar, 6Fountain DM Young AM Santarius T. Malignant meningiomas.Handbook of clinical neurology. Vol. 170. Elsevier, Amsterdam2020: 245-250Crossref Scopus (6) Google Scholar, 7Belinsky I Murchison AP Evans JJ et al.Spheno-orbital meningiomas: an analysis based on World Health Organization classification and Ki-67 proliferative index.Ophthalmic Plast Reconstr Surg. 2018; 34: 143-150Crossref PubMed Scopus (11) Google Scholar CNS WHO grade 3, or anaplastic, SOMs are rare. Many published series find no cases. The case series citing the highest proportion of CNS WHO grade 3 SOMs found them to represent 10.5% of all SOMs, although this was from a large quaternary centre and only represented meningiomas that required resection.7Belinsky I Murchison AP Evans JJ et al.Spheno-orbital meningiomas: an analysis based on World Health Organization classification and Ki-67 proliferative index.Ophthalmic Plast Reconstr Surg. 2018; 34: 143-150Crossref PubMed Scopus (11) Google Scholar These SOMs are a surgical challenge because of the presence of critical ophthalmologic and neurovascular structures within the spheno-orbital region. Anaplastic meningiomas are aggressive, have a poor prognosis, and have a median overall survival of 1.5 years.8Perry A Scheithauer BW Stafford SL Lohse CM Wollan PC. Malignancy” in meningiomas: a clinicopathologic study of 116 patients, with grading implications.Cancer. 1999; 85: 2046-2056PubMed Google Scholar Given their aggressive nature, they may require surgical debulking for curative or palliative reasons. Approximately half of CNS WHO grade 3 meningiomas arise de novo, whereas the other half are the result of anaplastic transformation of lower-grade meningiomas.6Fountain DM Young AM Santarius T. Malignant meningiomas.Handbook of clinical neurology. Vol. 170. Elsevier, Amsterdam2020: 245-250Crossref Scopus (6) Google ScholarThe primary treatment for anaplastic meningiomas is gross total surgical resection and adjuvant radiation.9Agi J Badilla J Steinke D Mitha AP Weis E. The Alberta standardized orbital technique in the management of spheno-orbital meningiomas.Eur J Ophthalmol. 2021; 31: 2686-2691Crossref PubMed Scopus (0) Google Scholar The literature on chemotherapy is not yet conclusive. Resection of the orbital component of SOMs necessitates a multidisciplinary team including both neurosurgeons and orbital surgeons. Radiographic studies to assess for recurrence should be considered postoperatively each 6 months for 2 years and yearly thereafter.9Agi J Badilla J Steinke D Mitha AP Weis E. The Alberta standardized orbital technique in the management of spheno-orbital meningiomas.Eur J Ophthalmol. 2021; 31: 2686-2691Crossref PubMed Scopus (0) Google Scholar However, as was the case for our patient, CNS WHO grade 3 SOMs carry a poor prognosis for survival. Spheno-orbital meningiomas (SOMs) arise from the sphenoid bone and extend into the orbit. These tumours account for approximately 2% of all orbital lesions.1Shields JA Shields CL Scartozzi R. Survey of 1264 patients with orbital tumors and simulating lesions: the 2002 Montgomery Lecture, part 1.Ophthalmology. 2004; 111: 997-1008Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (700) Google Scholar Presenting symptoms typically include proptosis, diplopia, or optic neuropathy. Most SOMs are CNS World Health Organization (WHO) grade 1 lesions. These are generally considered benign and slow growing. A small proportion of SOMs consists of CNS WHO grade 2 lesions, whereas CNS WHO grade 3 SOMs are very rarely described. These are often called malignant meningiomas. Here we present a CNS WHO grade 3 anaplastic SOM with rhabdoid, sarcomatoid, and epitheloid features that was debulked by means of exenteration. An 87-year-old male was referred for diplopia and anaesthesia along the left maxillary (V2) nerve. Past medical history included hypertension and benign prostatic hyperplasia. There was no personal history of cancer. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a left-sided sphenoid bone meningioma (Fig. 1A, B). The patient was deemed ineligible for neurosurgical intervention. Thus he was treated with external-beam radiation and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Despite 2 rounds of treatment, left visual function deteriorated from 20/50 to no light perception by 5 months after initial presentation. He had progressive pain and proptosis, resulting in 6 mm of axial asymmetry. The right eye and orbit remained unaffected. Repeat MRI revealed expansion of the intraorbital soft tissue component of the tumour while the bony component remained stable (Fig. 1C, D). An incisional biopsy of the tumour was performed. Histopathology was significant for a pleomorphic tumour with increased mitotic activity and areas of necrosis. The sample was not diagnostic, however. Given continued expansion of the tumour (Fig. 1E, F) causing intractable pain, a left orbital exenteration was performed (Fig. 2). Histopathologic analysis of the exenterated tissue showed a pleomorphic tumour. Approximately 25% of the tumour cells showed rhabdoid features including vesicular nuclei, variably prominent nucleoli, eccentrically placed eosinophilic cytoplasm, and globular paranuclear inclusions. In other parts, the tumour appeared cohesive, and some tumour cells showed epithelioid features or eccentric eosinophilic cytoplasm without paranuclear inclusions. Anaplastic foci contained 22 mitotic figures per 10 high-power fields (defined as 0.16 mm2 each; Fig. 1C). Immunohistochemical analysis of the specimen showed positivity for SSTR2A (somatostatin receptor 2A), usually strongly positive in meningiomas, and AE1/AE3, a pan-cytokeratin stain that can be focally positive in meningiomas (Fig. 1D, F). A few tumour cells stained positive for epithelial membrane antigen (Fig. 1E). The tumour had lost expression of H3K27me3 (Fig. 1G). Nuclear expression of BAP1 and INI1 was retained, indicating the wild type of these genes. Based on histopathologic criteria, the final diagnosis was a CNS WHO grade 3 anaplastic SOM with rhabdoid, sarcomatoid, and epithelioid features. Postoperatively, the patient was placed on daily oral steroids for pain control and inflammation. There was rapid new tumour growth along his infraorbital rim, and he died 3 months later. We describe a case of a anaplastic SOM, CNS WHO grade 3, with rhabdoid, sarcomatoid, and epithelioid features as well as loss of H3K27me3 expression. The initial diagnosis of meningioma was inferred by the radiographic features on MRI. However, the diagnosis cannot be confirmed without pathologic specimens. Meningiomas show a broad spectrum of histopathologic subtypes. The histochemical markers most often used in the diagnosis of meningiomas are SSTR2A and epithelial membrane antigen. The monoclonal antibody for SSTR2A is especially helpful in establishing the diagnosis of meningioma when there is poor cellular differentiation. SSTR2A is highly sensitivity and specific for meningiomas; nearly all meningiomas express this marker. WHO grading of CNS tumours has traditionally been based exclusively on histologic features. A WHO grade 3 meningioma is defined by 20 or more mitotic figures in 10 consecutive high-power fields, wherein a high-power field measures 0.16 mm2. Frank anaplastic features such as sarcomatous, carcinomatous, or melanomatous appearance also qualify as a WHO grade 3 lesion. But WHO grading of CNS tumours is no longer restricted to histologic grading. Molecular markers provide powerful prognostic and diagnostic information. The presence of a telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) gene promoter mutation and (or) a homozygous deletion of the CDKN2A or B gene also constitutes a tumour that is a WHO grade 3 meningioma.2Louis DN Perry A Wesseling P et al.The 2021 WHO classification of tumors of the central nervous system: a summary.Neuro Oncol. 2021; 23: 1231-1251Crossref PubMed Scopus (1182) Google Scholar This case was consistent with an anaplastic meningioma, WHO grade 3, given the high mitotic rate (≥20 per high-power field) and the presence of carcinomatous and sarcomatous features. Thus no further molecular testing was performed for tumour grading. Historically, rhabdoid and papillary morphology qualified a CNS meningioma as WHO grade 3. However, up to 50% of meningiomas with rhabdoid features lack aggressive histologic features.3Vaubel RA Chen SG Raleigh DR et al.Meningiomas with rhabdoid features lacking other histologic features of malignancy: a study of 44 cases and review of the literature.J Neuropathol Exp Neurol. 2016; 75: 44-52Crossref PubMed Scopus (44) Google Scholar Therefore, while papillary and rhabdoid features often are seen in combination with aggressive features, grading of these tumours is not done based on rhabdoid or papillary architecture alone. Meningiomas with rhabdoid morphology often harbour breast cancer 1 (BRCA1)-associated protein (BAP1) inactivation.4Shankar GM Abedalthagafi M Vaubel RA et al.Germline and somatic BAP1 mutations in high-grade rhabdoid meningiomas.Neuro Oncol. 2017; 19: 535-545Crossref PubMed Scopus (47) Google Scholar BAP1-negative meningiomas have reduced time to recurrence compared with those that retain BAP1 function. Further, a subset of patients with BAP1-deficient rhabdoid meningiomas harbour germ-line BAP1 mutations.4Shankar GM Abedalthagafi M Vaubel RA et al.Germline and somatic BAP1 mutations in high-grade rhabdoid meningiomas.Neuro Oncol. 2017; 19: 535-545Crossref PubMed Scopus (47) Google Scholar Germ-line mutations in BAP1 result in a tumour predisposition syndrome that confers a high risk for developing other tumours, including uveal melanomas, cutaneous melanomas, pleural or peritoneal malignant mesotheliomas, and renal cell carcinomas. Most patients with germ-line BAP1 mutations develop malignancies earlier in life. Testing for BAP1 inactivation in meningiomas displaying rhabdoid histomorphology provides prognostic information for the patient. Additionally, it can help guide genetic counselling and cancer surveillance for family members of affected individuals. Histochemical and molecular markers are important in the diagnosis and prognosis of meningiomas. In this case, where the diagnosis was ascertained with the exenterated tissue and the prognosis was clinically evident, not all immunostains and genetic tests were performed. In retrospect, SSTR2A staining may have assisted in diagnosing the tumour at the time of incisional biopsy. We would encourage the use of SSTR2A stain during investigation of poorly differentiated CNS tumours. Further, in cases where the diagnosis is made but the prognosis is not clear, testing for a TERT mutation or CDKN2A/B homozygous deletion can offer additional clinical information by predicting an increased risk of recurrence and progression. Loss of H3K27me3 nuclear expression, as occurred in this case, is associated with a potentially worse prognosis.2Louis DN Perry A Wesseling P et al.The 2021 WHO classification of tumors of the central nervous system: a summary.Neuro Oncol. 2021; 23: 1231-1251Crossref PubMed Scopus (1182) Google Scholar Spheno-orbital meningiomas are typically benign and slow growing. The triad of symptoms commonly seen in these tumours is proptosis, diplopia, and optic neuropathy. The average age at presentation is 51 years, and it does not, typically, alter life expectancy.5Terrier L-M Bernard F Fournier H-D et al.Spheno-orbital meningiomas surgery: multicenter management study for complex extensive tumors.World Neurosurg. 2018; 112: e145-e156Crossref PubMed Scopus (32) Google Scholar Approximately 90% of SOMs are CNS WHO grade 1. CNS WHO grade 2 lesions account for nearly the entire remaining 10% of SOMs and have relapse rates between 30%–50%.5Terrier L-M Bernard F Fournier H-D et al.Spheno-orbital meningiomas surgery: multicenter management study for complex extensive tumors.World Neurosurg. 2018; 112: e145-e156Crossref PubMed Scopus (32) Google Scholar, 6Fountain DM Young AM Santarius T. Malignant meningiomas.Handbook of clinical neurology. Vol. 170. Elsevier, Amsterdam2020: 245-250Crossref Scopus (6) Google Scholar, 7Belinsky I Murchison AP Evans JJ et al.Spheno-orbital meningiomas: an analysis based on World Health Organization classification and Ki-67 proliferative index.Ophthalmic Plast Reconstr Surg. 2018; 34: 143-150Crossref PubMed Scopus (11) Google Scholar CNS WHO grade 3, or anaplastic, SOMs are rare. Many published series find no cases. The case series citing the highest proportion of CNS WHO grade 3 SOMs found them to represent 10.5% of all SOMs, although this was from a large quaternary centre and only represented meningiomas that required resection.7Belinsky I Murchison AP Evans JJ et al.Spheno-orbital meningiomas: an analysis based on World Health Organization classification and Ki-67 proliferative index.Ophthalmic Plast Reconstr Surg. 2018; 34: 143-150Crossref PubMed Scopus (11) Google Scholar These SOMs are a surgical challenge because of the presence of critical ophthalmologic and neurovascular structures within the spheno-orbital region. Anaplastic meningiomas are aggressive, have a poor prognosis, and have a median overall survival of 1.5 years.8Perry A Scheithauer BW Stafford SL Lohse CM Wollan PC. Malignancy” in meningiomas: a clinicopathologic study of 116 patients, with grading implications.Cancer. 1999; 85: 2046-2056PubMed Google Scholar Given their aggressive nature, they may require surgical debulking for curative or palliative reasons. Approximately half of CNS WHO grade 3 meningiomas arise de novo, whereas the other half are the result of anaplastic transformation of lower-grade meningiomas.6Fountain DM Young AM Santarius T. Malignant meningiomas.Handbook of clinical neurology. Vol. 170. Elsevier, Amsterdam2020: 245-250Crossref Scopus (6) Google Scholar The primary treatment for anaplastic meningiomas is gross total surgical resection and adjuvant radiation.9Agi J Badilla J Steinke D Mitha AP Weis E. The Alberta standardized orbital technique in the management of spheno-orbital meningiomas.Eur J Ophthalmol. 2021; 31: 2686-2691Crossref PubMed Scopus (0) Google Scholar The literature on chemotherapy is not yet conclusive. Resection of the orbital component of SOMs necessitates a multidisciplinary team including both neurosurgeons and orbital surgeons. Radiographic studies to assess for recurrence should be considered postoperatively each 6 months for 2 years and yearly thereafter.9Agi J Badilla J Steinke D Mitha AP Weis E. The Alberta standardized orbital technique in the management of spheno-orbital meningiomas.Eur J Ophthalmol. 2021; 31: 2686-2691Crossref PubMed Scopus (0) Google Scholar However, as was the case for our patient, CNS WHO grade 3 SOMs carry a poor prognosis for survival. The authors have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article. Appendix. Supplementary materials Download .docx (.34 MB) Help with docx files Download .docx (.34 MB) Help with docx files