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.

Cureus
|November 23, 2019
PubMed

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.

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