Solitary plasmacytoma of the skull compressing the superior sagittal sinus: Case report and literature review

Harapan, Biyan Nathanael; Stöcklein, Veit M.; Zimmermann, Hanna; Ruf, Viktoria; Herms, Jochen; Ringel, Florian; Schmutzer-Sondergeld, Michael (2025): Solitary plasmacytoma of the skull compressing the superior sagittal sinus: Case report and literature review. Brain and Spine, 5: 105857. ISSN 27725294

Abstract

Introduction:

Solitary plasmacytomas are rare, localized plasma cell neoplasms without systemic involvement. Intracranial manifestations, particularly those compressing the superior sagittal sinus, are exceptionally uncommon and can mimic more common dural-based lesions such as meningiomas.

Research question:

This study aims to highlight the diagnostic and therapeutic considerations in cases of intracranial solitary plasmacytoma involving superior sagittal sinus compression through a clinical case and a targeted literature review.

Material and methods:

We report a case of a 52-year-old male who presented with progressive skull swelling as the only symptom. Due to the lesion's pronounced mass effect and marked compression of the superior sagittal sinus, a craniotomy and complete surgical resection were performed. A systematic literature search was conducted via PubMed to identify previously reported cases of intracranial solitary plasmacytoma involving superior sagittal sinus compression.

Results:

In the present case, histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of solitary plasmacytoma and surgical resection alone resulted in a favorable clinical outcome without recurrence during a 40-month follow-up. Our systematic review identified 14 patients with intracranial solitary plasmacytoma causing superior sagittal sinus compression across 12 published articles.

Discussion and conclusion:

Differentiation from more common intracranial lesions is crucial and relies on careful radiologic and histopathologic evaluation. Solitary plasmacytoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of dural-based lesions involving venous sinuses. Further studies and clinical reports are essential to clarify prognostic factors and to refine therapeutic strategies for this rare entity.

• Dokumententyp: Artikel (Klinikum der LMU)
• Organisationseinheit (Fakultäten): 07 Medizin > Institut für Neuropathologie; 07 Medizin > Institut für Diagnostische und Interventionelle Neuroradiologie; 07 Medizin > Klinikum der LMU München > Neurochirurgische Klinik und Poliklinik
• DFG-Fachsystematik der Wissenschaftsbereiche: Lebenswissenschaften
• DFG: Gefördert durch die Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - 491502892