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Metastatic Malignant Lymphoma Mimicking Cerebral Toxoplasmosis with the "Target Sign"

Hiroki Ueno1, Kazumi Norose2, Teppei Kamimura1

  • 1Department of Clinical Neuroscience and Therapeutics, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Japan.

Insights

A brain MRI showed a "target sign," typically indicating cerebral toxoplasmosis. However, further tests and biopsy revealed brain metastasis from diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, not toxoplasmosis.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Radiology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • The
  • target sign

Observation:

  • A 60-year-old man presented with a
  • target sign

Findings:

  • 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) showed no increased uptake.
  • 201Tl-single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) demonstrated focal uptake in the left frontal lesion.
  • Brain biopsy confirmed metastasis from diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, excluding cerebral toxoplasmosis.

Implications:

  • Multilayer intensities on MRI may indicate a fast-growing tumor.
  • This case highlights the importance of comprehensive diagnostic evaluation beyond imaging signs.
  • Differentiating brain metastasis from infectious lesions is crucial for appropriate treatment.

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