Hematologic neoplasia and the central nervous system

Abstract

Central nervous system (CNS) involvement with malignant cells is a well recognized complication of hematologic neoplasms. A number of disorders such as acute lymphoblastic leukemia and high grade lymphoma frequently involve the CNS and prophylactic therapy is advised. Disorders such as acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and multiple myeloma are less likely to be associated with CNS involvement. This series describes three cases of CNS involvement by malignant hematologic disease: myelomatous meningitis, CNS chloromas complicating AML, and primary lymphomatous meningitis.