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Published on: March 30, 2018
Secondary Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma Mimicking Meningioma
Miguel Garcia-Grimshaw1, Diego Posadas-Pinto1, Jesus Delgado-de la Mora2
1Neurology, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Medicas y Nutricion Salvador Zubiran, Ciudad de Mexico, MEX.
Abstract:
Meningiomas are the most common benign intracranial tumors accounting for up to 30% of non-glial tumors of the central nervous system (CNS); on neuroimaging studies, they usually appear as a lobular, extra-axial mass with well-circumscribed margins mostly located in the parasagittal aspect of the cerebral convexity. On magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain, meningiomas are typically isointense to hypointense relative to grey matter in the T1-weighted sequence and isointense to slight hyperintense relative to grey matter on the T2-weighted sequence with avid homogeneous enhancement after contrast administration. A thin linear enhancement along the dura infiltrating away from the lesion, known as the dural tail sign, was once thought to be a pathognomonic feature of meningiomas, but this non-specific sign can also be seen in other meningioma-like lesions. Several benign and malignant pathologies may mimic some of the neuroimaging characteristics of meningiomas; among them dural metastases of lymphomas. When approaching a patient with suspected meningioma, close attention to the neuroimaging features may help distinguish them from meningioma-like lesions. Here we present the case of a woman with CNS involvement of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that presented with a dural mass resembling the neuroimaging characteristics of a meningioma.
Insights
Meningiomas are common brain tumors. This case highlights how lymphoma can mimic meningioma on brain imaging, emphasizing the need for careful diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Oncology
Background:
- Meningiomas are the most common primary central nervous system (CNS) tumors, typically benign and extra-axial.
- Neuroimaging, particularly Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), shows characteristic features like T1 isointensity, T2 hyperintensity, and avid contrast enhancement.
- The 'dural tail sign' is a common finding but not pathognomonic, as other lesions can present similarly.
Observation:
- A case is presented of a woman with central nervous system involvement of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
- The lymphoma manifested as a dural mass with imaging characteristics that closely resembled a meningioma.
- This presentation underscores the potential for misdiagnosis based solely on imaging findings.
Findings:
- The dural mass in this case mimicked typical meningioma imaging features.
- Differential diagnosis is crucial when neuroimaging findings are not entirely specific.
- Distinguishing meningiomas from other dural-based lesions like lymphoma is essential for appropriate patient management.
Implications:
- Careful evaluation of neuroimaging is necessary to differentiate meningiomas from mimickers.
- Non-Hodgkin lymphoma can present as a dural mass mimicking meningioma.
- Accurate diagnosis through comprehensive assessment is vital for effective treatment of CNS pathologies.

