Primary intracerebral malignant fibrous histiocytoma mimicking a meningioma

Abstract

We describe herein a patient with primary intracerebral malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) to demonstrate this very rare central nervous system tumor. A 42-year-old male was admitted to our institute with the complaints of headache and speech impairment. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a tumor consistent with meningioma and we decided the surgery. The tumor was excised totally during the initial surgery. Histopathological examination revealed a mesenchymal tumor with an invasion of the adjacent brain and underlying dura mater. On the postoperative 4th month, the follow up MRI showed tumor recurrence at the same location and of similar size. Reoperation was performed and the tumor was again removed gross totally. However, the patient demonstrated a rapidly progressive course leading to death within the first year after the surgery. Two significant points of this case of primary central nervous system MFH are the rarity of its occurrence and its mimicking a meningioma.