[Multiple calcified cerebral lesions, probably due to metastasis]

Metastases are an infrequent (though possible) cause of cerebral calcifications due to the speed with which they grow. We report the case of a patient in whom some metastatic looking calcified cerebral lesions led to the discovery that she was suffering from lung cancer.

Woman, aged 60, with no antecedents of interest except hyperlipaemia who came to clinic after suffering from alterations of her higher functions for three weeks. Nothing abnormal was found during the general exploration. Neurologically, she was found to have sensory aphasia together with impaired gnosia and praxis. A brain CAT scan revealed several calcified cerebral lesions throughout both hemispheres, associated with perilesional edema and mass effect with contrast enhancement. Cerebral MRI confirmed these findings. X ray of the thorax was normal but the thoracic CAT scan revealed a spiculated lesion that suggested a malign primary lung neoplasia.

The presence of cerebral calcifications with perilesional edema and contrast enhancement forces us to rule out a metastatic origin. Although no respiratory clinical features are present, a study of the lungs should be performed as they are the most probable source of the aetiology.