Meningothelial hamartoma of the scalp: two case reports and literature review

Abstract

Meningothelial hamartomas are rare congenital scalp lesions composed of an admixture of cells including the meningothelial cell type. Histologically they are characterized as lesions with proliferative connective tissue, epitheloid cells forming interanastamosing vascular channels, and meningothelial elements. Lopez first described these lesions in 1974 and since that time a total of 32 cases have been reported [3]. In previous reports, they have been referred to as hamartomas with ectopic meningothelial elements, sequestered or rudimentary meningocele, and ectopic meningioma [1, 3, 5]. Two additional cases of meningothelial hamartomas are discussed as to their clinical presentation, work up, pathological findings at excision, and outcome. A persistent connection with the central nervous system remains a primary concern and mandates adequate preoperative testing to exclude this possibility.