Middle fossa meningiomas

Handb Clin Neurol. 2020:170:65-67. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-12-822198-3.00028-8.

Abstract

The middle cranial fossa is bounded anteriorly by the sphenoid ridge, medially by the lateral wall of the cavernous sinus and Meckel's cave, posteriorly by the sphenoid wing and petrous bone, and laterally by the greater wing of sphenoid and squamous temporal bone. In normal individuals, unnamed venous channels within the dura and arachnoid granulations can be seen on the floor of this fossa by the operating surgeon. Meningiomas arising mainly from the dura of the floor are uncommon, and middle fossa meningiomas have been arbitrarily named so based on an attachment of more than 75% to this location. They tend to present clinically at a large size and require special considerations for surgical treatment.

Keywords: Meningioma; Middle fossa.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cranial Fossa, Middle / pathology
  • Cranial Fossa, Middle / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Meningioma / pathology
  • Meningioma / surgery*
  • Neurosurgical Procedures*
  • Skull Base Neoplasms / pathology
  • Skull Base Neoplasms / surgery*