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Cerebral Microangiopathy Mimicking a High-Grade Glioma in Old Age: A Case Report
Young Min Kwon1, Song-Hee Han2, Kyoung Su Sung1
1Department of Neurosurgery, Dong-A University Hospital, Dong-A University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea.
Abstract:
Cerebral microangiopathy (CM) has become a common disease related to improved neuroimaging modalities and an increased life expectancy. Intracerebral tumor-like mass lesions have rarely been reported in cases of cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) in elderly patients. However, tumor-like mass lesions from CM without amyloid deposits have rarely been reported. These two angiopathies may have different pathogeneses and neuroimaging characteristics. Herein, we present the case of an 83-year-old man with CM mimicking a high-grade glioma. We described the possible pathogenesis and different neuroimaging features of CM compared to CAA.
Insights
Cerebral microangiopathy (CM) can present as rare tumor-like lesions, distinct from cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA). This case highlights CM
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Pathology
Background:
- Cerebral microangiopathy (CM) is increasingly diagnosed due to advanced neuroimaging and longer lifespans.
- Intracerebral tumor-like lesions are rare in cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), particularly in elderly patients.
- Tumor-like lesions in CM without amyloid deposits are exceptionally rare, suggesting distinct pathophysiological mechanisms.
Observation:
- An 83-year-old male presented with cerebral microangiopathy manifesting as a mass lesion.
- The imaging characteristics of the lesion mimicked a high-grade glioma.
- The absence of amyloid deposits differentiated this case from typical cerebral amyloid angiopathy.
Findings:
- This case demonstrates cerebral microangiopathy presenting as an intracerebral tumor-like mass.
- The neuroimaging features of CM can be distinct from those of CAA.
- Pathogenesis may differ between CM and CAA, leading to varied clinical presentations.
Implications:
- Recognizing CM as a cause of tumor-like brain lesions is crucial for accurate diagnosis.
- Distinguishing CM from CAA based on imaging can guide appropriate management strategies.
- Further research into the distinct pathogeneses of CM and CAA is warranted.
