Multicentric glial brain tumors of a varying degree of differentiation in patient with chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Abstract

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia is associated with an increased incidence of secondary neoplasms. Primary brain tumors are rarely seen; however, an increased risk relative to the general population has been observed in male patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. A case report of a 62-year-old man with progressive chronic lymphocytic leukemia and pronounced neurologic symptoms is presented. Richter's syndrome or brain infiltration with leukemia cells was clinically suspected and suggested by computed tomography findings. Progression of the neurologic symptoms rapidly continued and the patient died. Neuropathologic examination revealed multicentric glial tumors of a varying degree of differentiation located throughout the brain and cerebellum. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.