Extra-axial primary intracranial cerebral lymphoma mimicking meningioma

Abstract

Primary central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma (PCNSL) is a nervous system-seeking extranodal non-Hodgkin lymphoma. It represents 3.1% of all primary brain tumors and 2% to 3% of non-Hodgkin lymphomas. It can be difficult to distinguish primary CNS lymphoma from other brain tumors on initial radiographic images. Primary CNS lymphomas have a different appearance on computed tomography scan or magnetic resonance imaging. We present a patient in whom difficulty was encountered in the establishment of a (primary CNS lymphoma compared with meningioma) using conventional diagnostic approaches. The clinical, radiologic features, and the treatment are described and discussed together with a review of literature and previous reports. © 2009 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.