Histiocytosis mimicking a pineal gland tumour

Neuroradiology. 2001 Aug;43(8):644-6. doi: 10.1007/s002340100546.

Abstract

We report an unusual case of isolated Langerhans cell histiocytosis of the central nervous system. A 19-year-old man presented with an incomplete ocular palsy. MRI revealed a solitary mass in the pineal gland with marked contrast enhancement. Complete microsurgical excision was followed by local radiotherapy. Histological examination revealed histiocytosis. Unifocal brain involvement by histiocytosis X is rare with few cases in the literature; the most commonly involved areas are the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Brain Neoplasms / complications
  • Brain Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Histiocytosis / complications
  • Histiocytosis / diagnosis*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pineal Gland / pathology*
  • Pinealoma / complications
  • Pinealoma / diagnosis*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed