A case of pediatric multiple sclerosis presenting with a tumefactive demyelinating lesion

Pediatric multiple sclerosis accompanied by a tumefactive demyelinating lesion (TDL) is extremely rare. Because it is very difficult to distinguish TDLs from neoplasms, invasive brain biopsies are required for a definitive diagnosis. MR spectroscopy (MRS) without brain biopsy was recently shown diagnostic in some patients with TDLs, based on the elevation of glutamate/glutamine peaks. This report describes the clinical course of a 9-year-old girl with multiple sclerosis following a TDL and discusses the usefulness of MRS and brain biopsies to diagnose TDLs.