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Primary central nervous system anaplastic large-cell lymphoma mimicking lymphomatosis cerebri

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Abstract

Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is usually diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (ALCL) rarely occurs in the central nervous system. PCNSL always presents as single or multiple nodular contrast-enhancing mass lesions within T2-hyperintense areas on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Infrequently, diffuse infiltrating change with little contrast enhancement called lymphomatosis cerebri can be seen in PCNSL. In this report, we describe a 75-year-old immunocompetent man who had progressive dementia. On MRI, diffuse white matter lesions with little contrast enhancement were observed to gradually progress, which was clinically consistent with his worsening condition. A biopsy specimen revealed non-destructive, diffusely infiltrating, anaplastic large CD30-positive lymphoma, indicating a diagnosis of ALCL. After the biopsy, he was treated by whole brain irradiation (total 46 Gy) and focal boost irradiation (total 14 Gy). However, his performance status worsened and there was no symptom improvement. The patient died 8 months after symptom onset. The clinical course, diagnostic workup, pathologic correlates, and treatment outcomes are described herein.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neurosurgery, Sapporo Medical University, South 1, West 16, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, 060-8543, Japan

    Toshiya Sugino, Takeshi Mikami, Yukinori Akiyama, Masahiko Wanibuchi & Nobuhiro Mikuni

  2. Department of Surgical Pathology, Sapporo Medical University, Sapporo, Japan

    Tadashi Hasegawa

Authors
  1. Toshiya Sugino
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  2. Takeshi Mikami
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  3. Yukinori Akiyama
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  4. Masahiko Wanibuchi
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  5. Tadashi Hasegawa
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  6. Nobuhiro Mikuni
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Correspondence to Takeshi Mikami.

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Sugino, T., Mikami, T., Akiyama, Y. et al. Primary central nervous system anaplastic large-cell lymphoma mimicking lymphomatosis cerebri. Brain Tumor Pathol 30, 61–65 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10014-012-0094-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10014-012-0094-0

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