Computed tomographic features of primary brain lymphoma

Head computed tomographic (CT) examinations of 14 patients with primary brain lymphoma were reviewed to assess the CT features of the presenting and subsequent lesions. Presenting lesions were single in 62% and multiple in 38%. Lesions tended to be iso- or hyperdense and homogeneously enhancing. They were commonly located in the deep hemispheric regions, corpus callosum, and posterior fossa. Despite these characteristic patterns, the diagnosis of lymphoma was initially considered in just three patients. Follow-up CT showed good initial response to radiotherapy in 10 patients although mortality was high and posttherapy changes were frequent. Consideration of primary brain lymphoma by radiologists is important, as needle biopsy and radiotherapy may be preferred to a surgical resection.