We report a case of spinal clear-cell meningioma occurring in a 22-month-ol
d male who presented a right limp and then refused to walk, Spinal magnetic
resonance imaging demonstrated a large, intradural tumor from T-11 to Lq,
which was totally excised. The patient's postoperative recovery was unevent
ful and 5 months after surgery he began walking again. The latest follow-up
magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and spine, obtained 42 months afte
r diagnosis, was negative for tumor recurrence. Though clear-cell meningiom
a is a rare form of meningioma, it should be considered in the differential
diagnosis of any space-occupying lesion of the spine arising in very young
children. Complete surgical removal is necessary because it is potentially
aggressive and may recur. After surgery, an accurate follow-up is warrante
d. Copyright (C) 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel.