Calcified Pseudoneoplasm of the Neuraxis

Abstract

Calcified pseudoneoplasms of the neuraxis are extremely rare non-neoplastic lesions that can exist anywhere in the CNS. Although benign, the lesions can cause substantial neurologic symptoms, typically related to mass effect on adjacent structures. Calcified pseudoneoplasms of the neuraxis can also mimic other entities such as calcified oligodendrogliomas and meningiomas. Nevertheless, the lesions can usually be strongly suggested at the time of imaging due to a number of fairly unique imaging characteristics. Here, the clinical presentation of a patient with a posterior fossa calcified pseudoneoplasm of the neuraxis is described, along with its imaging and pathologic features.

Calcifying pseudoneoplasm of the neuraxis within the sellar region: illustrative case

“…As their name suggests, CAPNONs can affect any location in the central nervous system. 5 , 7 CAPNONs have been identified anywhere from the sacral, 8 lumbar, 9 thoracic, 10 and cervical spine 9 to within the cranium in the posterior fossa 11 or anterior fossa 12 and throughout the skull base. 13 , 14 Reports of CAPNON affecting the sellar region are scarce and have previously not been confined to the SSR alone.…”