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Hemiparkinsonism associated with a mesencephalic tumor
M Yoshimura1, T Yamamoto, N Iso-o
1Department of Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan. yoshimur-tky@umin.ac.jp
Journal of the Neurological Sciences
|May 9, 2002
Summary
A cystic midbrain mass caused parkinsonism in a 66-year-old woman. Imaging confirmed left-sided dopaminergic pathway dysfunction, a rare association.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuroimaging
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Parkinsonism typically involves basal ganglia dysfunction.
- Mesencephalic lesions are uncommon causes of parkinsonism.
Observation:
- A 66-year-old woman presented with a 3-year history of progressive right-sided parkinsonism.
- Brain MRI revealed a non-enhanced polycystic mass in the left midbrain.
- Positron emission tomography (PET) showed left-sided striatal hypometabolism.
Findings:
- The findings suggest dysfunction in the left nigrostriatal dopaminergic pathway.
- This dysfunction is presumed to be caused by the mesencephalic cystic mass.
- The case presents a rare instance of pure parkinsonism linked to a midbrain lesion.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering structural lesions in the midbrain for parkinsonism.
- It contributes to understanding the diverse etiologies of movement disorders.
- Further research may elucidate the mechanisms linking mesencephalic lesions to dopaminergic deficits.