Burnt out meningioma

Last revised by Frank Gaillard on 27 Oct 2023

A burnt-out meningioma is a term used to denote a meningioma which has become completely calcified/ossified 1. The term refers to the usually indolent behavior, as these tumors rarely seem to grow. 

Most burnt out meningiomas are likely to be psammomatous meningiomas, as these are far more common than the other heavily calcified variety, metaplastic osseous meningioma. In addition to the abundant psammoma bodies, these tumors are fibrotic with few tumor cells. 

Radiographic features

Burnt-out meningiomas appear as calcified extra-axial masses without enhancing component.

Differential diagnosis

  • inner-table osteoma of the skull 2

    • ivory-density

    • directly attached to the skull by a bony stalk (mushroom shaped)

  • CAPNON

    • very rare

    • often not attached to dura

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