Korean J Leg Med.  2013 Nov;37(4):208-211. 10.7580/kjlm.2013.37.4.208.

Sudden Unexpected Death caused by Olfactory Groove Meningioma: A Case Report

• Kim JH
• Cho MH
• Kim H
• Gil R
• Lee GY
• Lee KB

• KMID: 1928017
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.7580/kjlm.2013.37.4.208

Abstract

Meningiomas, one of the most common neoplasms of the central nervous system, may be encountered incidentally during autopsy. Most of these tumors, however, are benign and hence, are not considered as the chief cause of death. Further, sudden unexpected death caused by meningioma is very unusual. Moreover, the diagnosis of an incidental meningioma as the cause of sudden death may sometimes be difficult. In the present report, we describe an autopsy case of a sudden, unexpected death due to a large olfactory groove meningioma accompanied by severe cerebral edema and tonsillar herniation.

Keyword

Unexpected death; Brain tumor; Meningioma; Cerebral herniation; Cerebral edema

MeSH Terms

Autopsy
Brain Edema
Brain Neoplasms
Cause of Death
Central Nervous System
Death, Sudden
Diagnosis
Encephalocele
Meningioma*

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1. Cerebral hemisheres reveal marked edema and congestion.

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  Fig. 2. A large meningioma is seen at the base of the frontal lobe. Also present is an anteriorly displacement of medulla with wrap by cerebellar tonsils.

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  Fig. 3. Meningotheliomatous meningioma shows brain invasion (H & E, ×20).

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  Fig. 4. Mutifocal parenchymal hemorrhages are present in the pons (H & E, ×10).

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