[Preoperative embolization with gelfoam powder for intracranial meningioma causing unusual peritumoral hemorrhage--with reference to the mechanism of hemorrhage]

Preoperative embolization for intracranial meningioma has been performed at many institutions and its effectiveness has been well recognized. The complications of embolization such as facial pain, fever and facial nerve palsy, et al, were mild and temporary except embolus migration into intracranial vessels, but a peritumoral hemorrhage due to preoperative embolization was extremely rare. Recently we have experienced such an unusual complication, then we describe this complication here and discuss the mechanism of hemorrhage briefly. A 73-year-old female who had the left falx meningioma underwent preoperative embolization with gelfoam powder through the transfemoral route. About 10 hours later, she developed disturbance of consciousness and right hemiplegia. At that time, CT scan showed peritumoral hemorrhage and an increase in midline shift. An emergency craniotomy was performed and total removal of the falx meningioma (Simpson grade II) and evacuation of the hematoma were done. The postoperative course was uneventful. We conclude that gelfoam powder (average particle size 40-60 mu) is a useful material for preoperative embolization but may at times cause peritumoral hemorrhage.