Calcifying pseudoneoplasm of the neuraxis

Calcifying pseudoneoplasms of the neuraxis (CAPNON) are very rare, non-neoplastic, calcified lesions of the central nervous system of poorly understood etiology.

Epidemiology

Given the rarity of these lesions, detailed epidemiological data is not available. Since their first description, less than 50 cases have been reported in the literature.

Clinical presentation

The clinical presentation of patients with CAPNON is heterogeneous and generally depends on the location and size of the lesion. Symptoms are related to local compression or irritation of the adjacent tissue. In spinal affections, the predominant presentation is local or back pain . In contrast, intracranial CAPNON may present with not only headache but also seizures, cranial neuropathy, or motor deficits . In few cases, it was an incidental finding .

Pathology

CAPNONs are usually solitary extra-axial masses . An understanding of etiology remains elusive with reactive, metaplastic and even neoplastic processes having been proposed .

They demonstrate extensive calcifications and a nodular chondromyxoid matrix with an amorphous quality and fibrovascular stroma. The spindle and epithelioid cells surrounding the matrix showed positive staining with antibodies against epithelial membrane antigen (EMA) . They are S100 and GFAP negative .

Although the typical histopathologic features can be observed in most cases, some may be unusual and may be confused with calcified meningioma or tumoral calcinosis.

Radiographic features

CT

Can be seen a heavily calcified well-defined leptomeningeal or parenchymal mass.

MRI

Typical signal characteristics are those of calcium:

  • T1: iso to hypointense
  • T2: low signal on FLAIR and T2
  • T1 C+ (Gd): varies from none to moderate enhancement
  • T2*: mild blooming 

Treatment and prognosis

If resection is required then it is usually curative. Morbidity relates to operative complications and damage to structures adjacent to the mass .

History and etymology

The entity was first described by Rhodes and Davis in 1978 .

Differential diagnosis

CAPNON should be considered in the imaging differential diagnosis of a heavily calcified lesion in neuroaxis and the differential will depend on the location. It is worth considering this entity to avoid aggressive surgical intervention in a lesion that is difficult to resect, as the natural history of CAPNON is generally indolent.

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