Primary cerebral lymphoma: an association with craniopharyngioma or cadaveric growth hormone therapy?

To present the first case of primary cerebral lymphoma associated with craniopharyngioma or previous cadaveric growth hormone therapy.

A 22-year-old male shop assistant of European descent presented with unilateral uveitis and was found to have a high grade primary cerebral lymphoma. This occurred nine years after successful surgical resection of a craniopharyngioma without the administration of adjuvant radiotherapy.

There was initial radiological resolution of cerebral lymphoma after cranial irradiation. Recurrence was noted 10 weeks later, resulting in the patient's death.

The development of primary cerebral lymphoma following a craniopharyngioma is considered most likely a chance occurrence. Cadaveric growth hormone therapy may play a role in the genesis of lymphoma.