Spinal meningiomas in pregnancy: report of two cases and review of the literature.

Although meningiomas of the spinal district are frequently found, first presentation of these growths during pregnancy is extremely rare. Few cases have been reported in the literature up to now. In a series of 122 spinal meningiomas operated-on at our institution over the period 1962-1994, first neurological symptoms and signs became evident during pregnancy in two cases. Considering this noteworthy, the hydrodynamic and hormone-mediated mechanisms regarding meningioma growth during pregnancy and a review of the pertinent literature are discussed.