Olfactory Groove Meningiomas

Abstract

Olfactory groove meningiomas originate from the crista galli and adjacent lamina cribrosa near the junction between the cribriform plate and the planum sphenoidale [3]. In terms of clinical presentation and size of the tumor at the time of diagnosis little can be added to Cushing’s description. These tumors are still usually diagnosed when they are of a significant size, and the most common presenting symptoms are altered mental status followed by decreased vision [14]. Although anosmia and Foster-Kennedy syndrome (primary optic atrophy on the side of the lesion and contralateral papilledema) [10] are often mentioned as typical symptoms of olfactory groove meningiomas [1,11], they are only rarely observed [6]. Anosmia was probably the presenting complaint in only three of the 29 patients reported by Cushing [3] and in none of Bakay’s patients [2]. Foster-Kennedy syndrome was seen in only seven of Cushing’s patients [3], and this is not surprising considering that olfactory groove meningiomas are usually bilateral.