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Updated: Jul 17, 2026
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Multiple Sclerosis at 7.0 Tesla
Published on: February 19, 2021
Tumor-like multiple sclerosis: report of four cases and literature review
Emanuela Caroli1, Maurizio Salvati, Luigi Ferrante
1Department of Neurological Sciences, Neurosurgery, St. Andrea Hospital, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy. manucarol2000@yahoo.it
Aims And Background:
Classical multiple sclerosis plaques usually have typical features on gadolinium-enhanced MRI scan. This non-neoplastic demyelinating process of the central nervous system generally does not produce focal space-occupying lesions associated with ring enhancement. However, atypical appearance of demyelinating lesions simulating a brain tumor is a possible well-known phenomenon.
Methods:
We present our experience with 4 cases of multiple sclerosis indistinguishable clinically and neuroradiologically from a cerebral tumor. All patients underwent surgery.
Results:
Histological examinations of all cases were positive for multiple sclerosis plaques.
Conclusions:
The presented cases demonstrate the importance of considering a demyelinating disease in the differential diagnosis of a tumor-like brain lesion.
Insights
Atypical multiple sclerosis (MS) can mimic brain tumors, requiring careful diagnosis. Histological examination confirmed MS in four cases that appeared radiologically as tumors.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuroradiology
- Pathology
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease of the central nervous system.
- Classical MS plaques typically present specific features on MRI.
- Atypical demyelinating lesions can mimic brain tumors.
Observation:
- Four patients presented with clinical and neuroradiological findings indistinguishable from cerebral tumors.
- All patients underwent surgical intervention for suspected brain tumors.
Findings:
- Histopathological examination confirmed the presence of multiple sclerosis plaques in all four cases.
- The surgical findings revealed demyelinating lesions, not neoplastic growths.
Implications:
- This highlights the importance of including demyelinating diseases in the differential diagnosis of tumor-like brain lesions.
- Considering atypical MS presentations can prevent misdiagnosis and unnecessary aggressive treatments.
