Occipital lobe meningioma in a patient with multiple chemical sensitivities

Background The concurrent diagnosis of meningioma with increased intracrani al pressure has not been reported previously in a patient who meets diagnos tic criteria for multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS). Methods A patient who had been evaluated in an occupational medicine practi ce, and by several other physicians for sensitivity to chemical odors was f ound to have papilledema and a visual field deficit The patient met the cli nical criteria set forth by Cullen in 1987 for MCS. A magnetic resonance im aging (MRI) scan was performed. Results The MRI revealed a large occipital lobe meningioma, which was surgi cally resected Removal of the meningioma had little effect on the patient's symptoms. She has been unable to return to her job as a custodian. Discussion The etiology of MCS has been disputed and is currently unresolve d. Those who evaluate patients with MCS are reminded that meningiomas and o ther intracranial mass lesions can affect olfaction, and that patients with MCS can have treatable intracranial abnormalities. Am. J. Ind. Med. 37:443 -446, 2000. (C) 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.