Bilateral symmetrical enhancing brainstem lesions: an unusual presentation of primary CNS lymphoma

Eur J Neurol. 1999 Nov;6(6):721-3. doi: 10.1046/j.1468-1331.1999.660721.x.

Abstract

We report a patient with a progressive brainstem syndrome, who on magnetic resonance imaging had large bilateral, symmetrical, contrast-enhancing, infratentorial space-occupying lesions. Biopsy of one of the lesions revealed this unusual appearance to be due to a primary central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma of B-cell type. Symmetry of lesions may be a clue to the diagnosis, perhaps reflecting the mechanism by which CNS lymphomas spread.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Biopsy
  • Brain Stem / pathology
  • Brain Stem Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Functional Laterality
  • Humans
  • Lymphoma, B-Cell / pathology*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male