Primary CNS lymphoma initially diagnosed as vasculitis

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Pathology
• Oncology

Background:

• Brain biopsy can reveal a vasculitic pattern of injury.
• This pattern is associated with numerous primary or secondary disorders, posing diagnostic challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze challenging cases of suspected primary CNS vasculitis.
• To improve the recognition and diagnosis of primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL).

Main Methods:

• Case report of two patients.
• Review of clinical presentation and histopathologic findings.
• Analysis of diagnostic challenges and treatment responses.

Main Results:

• Two patients initially diagnosed with primary CNS vasculitis showed poor treatment response.
• A second biopsy in both cases revealed primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL).

Conclusions:

• Diagnostic challenges in CNS vasculitis can obscure PCNSL.
• Increased recognition of PCNSL in challenging cases can improve patient outcomes.