Primary diffuse leptomeningeal gliomatosis (PDLG) : a neoplastic cause of chronic meningitis

Cancerous 'chronic meningitis' may be related to subarachnoid space involvement by solid tumors, hematologic malignancies or rarely intraparenchymatous gliomas. Primary leptomeningeal gliomatosis is a rare condition that is attributed to malignant transformation of heterotopic neuroglial t...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of neuro-oncology 1993-03, Vol.15 (3), p.275-283
Main Authors: DIETRICH, P.-Y, AAPRO, M. S, RIEDER, A, PIZZOLATO, G. P
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biological and medical sciences
Chronic Disease
Female
Follow-Up Studies
Glioma - complications
Glioma - pathology
Humans
Medical sciences
Meningeal Neoplasms - complications
Meningeal Neoplasms - pathology
Meningitis - etiology
Meningitis - pathology
Middle Aged
Neurology
Tumors of the nervous system. Phacomatoses
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Summary:Cancerous 'chronic meningitis' may be related to subarachnoid space involvement by solid tumors, hematologic malignancies or rarely intraparenchymatous gliomas. Primary leptomeningeal gliomatosis is a rare condition that is attributed to malignant transformation of heterotopic neuroglial tissue. We discuss the clinical and biological features of a patient who died with the diffuse form of primary leptomeningeal gliomatosis (PDLG). A literature search shows that a one to two months long non-specific prodromal phase followed by a fluctuating neurologic downhill course is suggestive of this disease. Cerebro-spinal fluid (CSF) cytology has been diagnostic in only 1 of 8 reported cases. Recent technical progress, including the use of GFAP (glial fibrillary acidic protein) directed antibody, may enhance the sensitivity of CSF cytologies. Diagnosis may require repeated cerebral biopsies, because the hemispheric lesions are often separated by normal tissue. PDLG must be added to the large differential diagnosis of 'chronic meningitis'.
ISSN:0167-594X
1573-7373
DOI:10.1007/bf01050075