Computed tomography in primary reticulum cell sarcoma of the brain

Area of Science:

• Neuroradiology
• Oncology
• Neuropathology

Background:

• Primary central nervous system reticulum cell sarcoma (CNS RCS) is a rare extranodal non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
• Accurate diagnosis relies on integrating clinical, imaging, and histopathological findings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the computed tomography (CT) findings of primary CNS RCS.
• To identify characteristic patterns and predilection sites of CNS RCS on CT.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of CT scans from 16 patients with histologically confirmed primary CNS RCS.
• Analysis of lesion location, multiplicity, and contrast enhancement patterns.

Main Results:

• CNS RCS showed predilection for basal ganglia, thalamus, periventricular white matter, corpus callosum, and cerebellar vermis.
• Multifocal lesions occurred in 43% of untreated cases, often involving the basal ganglia.
• Solitary lesions (57% of untreated cases) favored the basal ganglia, corpus callosum, and frontal lobe, sometimes mimicking other tumors.
• Contrast enhancement was typically homogeneous, even in large lesions.

Conclusions:

• CT imaging can suggest primary CNS RCS based on characteristic locations and enhancement patterns.
• Homogeneous contrast enhancement is a key feature, but solitary lesions require careful differentiation from other intracranial neoplasms.