Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 27, 2026
A Protocol for Rapid Post-mortem Cell Culture of Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma DIPG
Published on: March 7, 2017
Primary diffuse leptomeningeal gliomatosis: An autopsy case report
Shaik Afshan Jabeen1, Arikapadu Haritha Chowdary1, Rukmini Mridula Kandadai1
1Department of Neurology, Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad, India.
Abstract:
Primary diffuse leptomeningeal gliomatosis (PDLG) is a rare condition, characterized by infiltration of the meninges by glial cells without evidence of the primary tumor in the brain or spinal cord parenchyma. Glioma arising primarily from the leptomeninges is extremely rare and often diagnosed only in post mortem examination and the diagnosis may be missed in meningeal biopsy. We describe a young female who presented with symptoms of raised intracranial pressure with imaging evidence of diffuse leptomeningeal enhancement in whom autopsy confirmed the diagnosis of PDLG. Our case illustrates the diagnostic difficulties in making the pre-mortem diagnosis even with multiple cerebrospinal fluid cytologies and leptomeningeal biopsy.
Insights
Primary diffuse leptomeningeal gliomatosis (PDLG) is a rare condition where glial cells infiltrate the meninges. Diagnosing PDLG pre-mortem is challenging, even with advanced tests, as confirmed by a difficult case study.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Primary diffuse leptomeningeal gliomatosis (PDLG) is an exceptionally rare neoplastic condition.
- It involves the infiltration of the meninges by glial cells without an identifiable primary brain or spinal cord tumor.
Observation:
- A young female presented with symptoms indicative of increased intracranial pressure.
- Imaging revealed diffuse leptomeningeal enhancement, suggesting widespread meningeal involvement.
Findings:
- Autopsy confirmed the diagnosis of primary diffuse leptomeningeal gliomatosis (PDLG).
- The case highlighted significant diagnostic challenges in pre-mortem identification, despite extensive investigations.
Implications:
- This case underscores the difficulties in diagnosing PDLG before death, even with multiple cerebrospinal fluid cytologies and leptomeningeal biopsies.
- Improved diagnostic strategies are needed for this rare and often fatal condition.
