A rare case of malignant meningitis from a likely bronchogenic melanoma primary cancer

Jessica Little1, Christopher Rajkumar2, Waqar Saleem1

  • 1Department of Oncology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Charring Cross Hospital, Fulham Palace Road, London, UK.

Insights

Malignant meningitis from primary bronchogenic melanoma is rare and mimics other neurological issues. Early diagnosis is key for this rapidly progressing condition, requiring prompt identification of the endobronchial melanoma.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Oncology
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Malignant meningitis presents diversely, often mimicking other neurological disorders.
  • Primary bronchogenic melanoma is an exceptionally rare cause of meningitis.

Observation:

  • A patient presented with headache and vomiting, rapidly progressing to neurological decline including loss of mental faculties, vision, hearing, and limb power.
  • Lumbar puncture revealed malignant cells, indicating meningitis.

Findings:

  • Chest CT identified an endobronchial lesion.
  • Histological analysis of the lesion confirmed primary bronchogenic melanoma.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the diagnostic challenges of rare malignant meningitis.
  • Strategies to expedite diagnosis and management of primary bronchogenic melanoma presenting as meningitis are discussed.

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