Ventriculovesical Shunting in a Patient with Leptomeningeal Carcinomatosis: An Alternative to VP Shunts. A Technique Report / Derivação ventriculovesical em paciente com Carcinomatose Leptomeníngea: Uma alternativa às DVPs. Relato de técnica

Leptomeningeal carcinomatosis (LC) is a rare but serious complication when cancer cells infiltrate the meninges. It is most commonly associated with breast cancer, but only 5% of breast cancer patients develop it. Leptomeningeal carcinomatosis typically presents with headaches, mainly due to hydrocephalus, and the diagnosis involves a cytological analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. The treatment of LC consists of a combination of intra-CSF chemotherapy, systemic therapy, radiation therapy, and/or supportive care, including CSF drainage. In the case herein reported, a technique known as ventriculovesical shunting was performed on a female patient with LC and breast cancer who had hydrocephalus due to this condition. This procedure is not as common as ventriculoperitoneal shunts, which can lead, in this case, to serious complications such as peritoneal carcinomatosis.

Carcinomatose leptomeníngea (CL) é uma complicação infrequente, porém séria, que ocorre quando células cancerígenas infiltram as meninges. É mais comumente associada ao câncer de mama, mas apenas 5% dos pacientes com câncer de mama a desenvolvem. A CL apresenta-se tipicamente com dores de cabeça decorrentes principalmente da hidrocefalia, e o diagnóstico envolve uma análise citológica do líquido cefalorraquidiano (LCR) e/ou ressonância magnética (RM). O tratamento da CL envolve uma combinação de quimioterapia intra-LCR, terapia sistêmica, radioterapia e/ou cuidados de suporte, incluindo a drenagem do LCR. No caso aqui relatado, realizou-se uma técnica conhecida como derivação ventriculovesical em uma paciente feminina com CL e câncer de mama que tinha hidrocefalia em decorrência desta situação. Este procedimento não é tão comum em comparação com as derivações ventriculoperitoneais, as quais, nesse caso, podem levar à carcinomatose peritoneal.

Pemetrexed clinical trial for intrathecal injection chemotherapy based on cerebrospinal fluid pharmacokinetics in patients with leptomeningeal metastasis from lung adenocarcinoma / 国际肿瘤学杂志

Objective:To investigate the pharmacokinetics of cerebrospinal fluid pemetrexed following intrathecal injection chemotherapy in patients with leptomeningeal metastasis (LM) from lung adenocarcinoma and provide a basis for clinical intrathecal injection chemotherapy.Methods:A total of 21 patients with lung adenocarcinoma LM who underwent pemetrexed intrathecal injection chemotherapy via Ommaya capsule at Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Aiffilitated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School from November 2019 to November 2022 were collected, and divided into 30, 40 and 50 mg groups ( n=10, n=4, n=7) according to pemetrexed dose. Cerebrospinal fluid was collected at 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, 12, 24 and 48 h after the first intrathecal injection chemotherapy, and day 8 of each cycle for three groups. Reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography was used to determine the drug concentration in cerebrospinal fluid, to clarify the drug-related pharmacokinetic parameters, and to compare the differences in pemetrexed concentration among groups. Finally, cerebrospinal fluid pemetrexed concentration changes were observed and compared after different intrathecal injection chemotherapy cycles. Results:There were statistically significant differences in cerebrospinal fluid drug concentrations of patients in three groups at 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, 12, 24 and 48 h after the first intrathecal injection chemotherapy (30 mg group: F=20.56, P<0.001; 40 mg group: F=27.06, P<0.001; 50 mg group: F=28.63, P<0.001), and there were statistically significant differences in the concentration of cerebrospinal fluid drugs in each dose group at 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6 and 12 h compared to 0 h after intrathecal injection chemotherapy (all P<0.05). Compared to the 30 mg group, cerebrospinal fluid drug concentrations in the 50 mg group increased at 1, 2, 4, 6, 12 and 24 h after intrathecal injection chemotherapy, with statistically significant differences (all P<0.05). Pharmacokinetic analysis of cerebrospinal fluid pemetrexed showed that area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) 0-∞ of the 30, 40 and 50 mg groups were (5 696.12±283.32), (7 886.29±396.57), and (14 202.70±440.19) h·mg/L, respectively, with a statistically significant difference ( F=1 159.00, P<0.001) ; AUC 0-∞ increased in the 50 mg group compared to the 30 and 40 mg groups (both P<0.05) ; AUC 0-∞ increased in the 40 mg group compared to the 30 mg group ( P<0.05). The half-lives of three groups were (8.75±0.23), (11.29±0.59) and (16.42±1.23) h, respectively, with a statistically significant difference ( F=206.80, P<0.001) ; half-life was longer in the 50 mg group compared to the 30 and 40 mg groups (both P<0.05) ; half-life was longer in the 40 mg group compared to the 30 mg group ( P<0.05). The peak time of three groups were (1.55±0.10), (1.00±0.01), (1.43±0.11) h, respectively, with a statistically significant difference ( F=48.11, P<0.001) ; the peak time was shorter in the 40 and 50 mg groups compared to the 30 mg group (both P<0.05). Clearance of three groups were (7.02±2.46), (5.80±1.25) and (3.66±1.32) L/h, respectively, with a statistically significant difference ( F=6.02, P=0.009) ; clearance was decreased in the 50 mg group compared to the 30 mg group ( P<0.05). The peak concentration of three groups were (540.45±32.25), (820.75±46.47) and (1 014.78±64.96) mg/L, respectively, with a statistically significant difference ( F=207.70, P<0.001) ; peak concentration increased in the 50 mg group compared to the 30 and 40 mg groups (both P<0.05) ; peak concentration increased in the 40 mg group compared to the 30 mg group ( P<0.05). Cerebrospinal fluid drug concentrations were dynamically monitored after 4 cycles of intrathecal injection chemotherapy, in which cerebrospinal fluid pemetrexed concentrations in 30 mg group were (13.76±4.79), (11.41±7.08), (9.41±2.59) and (7.86±4.02) mg/L, respectively; 40 mg group were (14.45±6.59), (12.87±15.73), (11.24±2.48) and (9.09±3.38) mg/L, respectively; 50 mg group were (12.94±10.34), (9.72±7.62), (8.15±8.17) and (4.34±4.21) mg/L, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference in cerebrospinal fluid drug concentrations among different intrathecal injection chemotherapy cycles in 30 mg group ( F=4.04, P=0.016), and the cerebrospinal fluid drug concentration decreased in cycles 3 and 4 compared to cycle 1 (both P<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in cerebrospinal fluid drug concentrations among different treatment cycles in 40 and 50 mg groups ( F=0.28, P=0.837; F=3.57, P=0.066) . Conclusion:Reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography method can effectively detect the pemetrexed concentration in cerebrospinal fluid; dynamic monitoring of cerebrospinal fluid pemetrexed concentration can provide a basis for the dosage and the treatment cycle of intrathecal injection chemotherapy in LM patients with lung adenocarcinoma.

Role of intrathecal chemotherapy in the management of meningeal carcinomatosis in patients with breast cancer

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate whether intrathecal chemotherapy improves clinical outcomes in patients with meningeal carcinomatosis. Methods This retrospective cohort study included consecutive patients with breast cancer diagnosed with meningeal carcinomatosis. Clinical and treatment data were collected from the patients' medical charts. The primary outcome was overall survival, and the secondary outcomes were time to neurological deterioration and reporting of clinical benefit. Logistic regression and Cox proportional hazard models adjusted for potential confounders were used to evaluate the clinical response and overall survival, respectively. Results Overall, 109 female patients were included, 50 (45.9%) of whom received intrathecal chemotherapy with methotrexate and dexamethasone. The median treatment duration was 3 weeks (range, 1-13 weeks). Patients treated with intrathecal chemotherapy were more likely to report clinical benefit (74% versus 57.7%, adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 9.0, 95%CI=2.6-30.9, p<0.001). However, there was no difference in the time to neurologic deterioration (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.96, 95%CI= 0.57-1.59, p=0.86). Patients who received intrathecal chemotherapy did not show an increase in overall survival compared with that of patients who did not receive intrathecal chemotherapy (median overall survival = 1.8 months, 95%CI= 1.27-3.0 versus 2.5, 95%CI= 1.9-3.9, adjusted HR = 0.71, 95%CI= 0.41-1.22, p=0.21). There was a significant interaction between intrathecal chemotherapy and systemic treatment, and patients who received systemic therapy without intrathecal chemotherapy had better overall survival than that of the no-treatment group (adjusted HR = 0.38, 95%CI= 0.20-0.70, p=0.002). Conclusion Intrathecal chemotherapy did not increase overall survival or time to neurological deterioration and should not preclude or postpone systemic treatments.

Carcinomatosis meníngea secundaria a melanoma metastásico: reporte de un caso / Meningeal carcinomatosis secondary to metastatic melanoma: a case report

Resumen La carcinomatosis meníngea es una entidad poco frecuente, que puede formar parte de la historia natural de muchos procesos neoplásicos. Se presenta habitualmente con síntomas poco específicos, como cefalea, cambios en la conducta o alteraciones motoras y sensitivas. A continuación, presentamos el caso de una paciente con carcinomatosis meníngea por melanoma metastásico y su evolución clínica.

La carcinomatosis meníngea es una entidad poco frecuente, que puede formar parte de la historia natural de muchos procesos neoplásicos. Se presenta habitualmente con síntomas poco específicos, como cefalea, cambios en la conducta o alteraciones motoras y sensitivas. A continuación, presentamos el caso de una paciente con carcinomatosis meníngea por melanoma metastásico y su evolución clínica.

A new approach for leptomeningeal metastases: chemotherapy administered through lumbar intrathecal port / Un nuevo abordaje para el tratamiento de las metástasis leptomeníngeas: uso de catéter implantado para el suministro de quimioterapia vía intratecal lumbar

ABSTRACT Background: Intrathecal chemotherapy is a local therapeutic modality used for treatment of leptomeningeal metastases. However, the techniques currently used, i.e. repeated lumbar puncture and Ommaya reservoir, have certain disadvantages. Lumbar intrathecal port (LIP) placement is a relatively novel technique, which has been used for pain management in cancer patients. Objective: To investigate the use of LIP for intrathecal administration of chemotherapeutic agents in patients with leptomeningeal metastases. Methods: Retrospective study of 13 patients treated with intrathecal chemotherapy for secondary leptomeningeal involvement of a primary solid tumor were included in this retrospective study. The patients received intrathecal chemotherapy through a LIP. Results: The patients received a total of 123 intrathecal chemotherapy doses. No grade 3-4 toxicity, technical problem or severe complication developed. During a median of 136 days of follow-up (range, 67-376 days), 12 patients died (92.3%). The treatment resulted in symptom improvement in all patients and self-rated overall health and quality of life improved, compared with baseline. Conclusions: The LIP system, which has been used for intrathecal pain management for decades, appears to offer a safe alternative for intrathecal chemotherapy in patients with leptomeningeal metastases. Further studies are warranted to clarify its potential use in this setting.

RESUMEN Antecedentes: La quimioterapia intratecal es una modalidad terapéutica local utilizada para el tratamiento de metástasis leptomeníngeas. Sin embargo, las técnicas empleadas actualmente, es decir, las punciones lumbares repetidas y el depósito de Ommaya, tienen algunos inconvenientes. La colocación de un puerto intratecal lumbar (LIP) es una técnica relativamente nueva que se ha utilizado para el tratamiento del dolor en pacientes con cáncer. Objetivo: Investigar el uso de LIP para la administración intratecal de agentes quimioterapéuticos en pacientes con metástasis leptomeníngeas. Métodos: Este estudio retrospectivo incluyó un total de 13 pacientes tratados con quimioterapia intratecal por afectación leptomeníngea secundaria de un tumor sólido primario. Los pacientes recibieron quimioterapia intratecal a través de un LIP. Resultados: Los pacientes recibieron un total de 123 dosis de quimioterapia intratecal. No se desarrolló toxicidad de grado 3-4, ni se presentaron problemas técnicos o complicaciones graves. Durante un promedio de 136 días de seguimiento (rango, 67-376 días), murieron 12 pacientes (92,3 %). El tratamiento dio como resultado una mejoría de los síntomas en todos los pacientes. La salud general autoevaluada y la calidad de vida mejoraron en comparación con los valores iniciales. Conclusiones: El sistema LIP que se ha utilizado para el manejo del dolor intratecal durante décadas, parece ofrecer una alternativa segura para la quimioterapia intratecal en pacientes con metástasis leptomeníngeas. Serán necesarios más estudios para determinar su uso potencial en este ámbito.

A Novel Implantable Cerebrospinal Fluid Reservoir : A Pilot Study

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this pilot study was to examine the safety and function of the newly developed cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) reservoir called the V-Port.METHODS: The newly developed V-Port consists of a non-collapsible reservoir outlined with a titanium cage and a connector for the ventricular catheter to be assembled. It is designed to be better palpated and more durable to multiple punctures than the Ommaya reservoir. A total of nine patients diagnosed with leptomeningeal carcinomatosis were selected for V-Port insertion. Each patient was followed up for evaluation for a month after the operation.RESULTS: The average operation time for V-Port insertion was 42 minutes and the average incision size was 6.6 cm. The surgical technique of V-Port insertion was found to be intuitive by all neurosurgeons who participated in the pilot study. There was no obstruction or leakage of the V-Port during intrathecal chemotherapy or CSF drainage. Also, there were no complications including post-operative intracerebral hemorrhage, infection and skin problems related to the V-Port.CONCLUSION: V-Port is a safe and an easy to use implantable CSF reservoir that addresses problems of other implantable CSF reservoirs. Further multicenter clinical trial is needed to prove the safety and the function of the V-Port.

The value of cerebrospinal fluid cytology and cell immunochemical staining in diagnosing meningeal carcinomatosis / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective To explore the diagnostic value of cytologic examination of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) combined with cell immunochemical staining examination in the patients with meningeal carcinomatosis in the clinical track.Methods CSF was centrifuged and precipitated using the StatSpin Cytofuge 12 centrifuge. It was dyed by the May-Grunwald-Giemsa Staining (MGG) method and cell immunochemical staining (S-P method). Clinical data of 16 cases with the diagnosis of meningeal carcinomatosis were retrospectively analyzed. Results Sixteen patients diagnosed meningeal carcinomatosis prior to imaging findings in 11 of 16 patients were diagnosed meningeal carcinomatosis through the cerebrospinal fluid cytology combined with cell immunochemical staining prior to imaging findings. CSF cytology observed the cancer cell pleomorphism. Cell immunochemical staining examination clearly distinguished classification organic source of meningeal carcinomatosis. Conclusions CSF cytology combined with cell immunochemical staining examination is one of the important means in tracking intracranial metastatic tumor in clinic.

A Novel Implantable Cerebrospinal Fluid Reservoir : A Pilot Study

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this pilot study was to examine the safety and function of the newly developed cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) reservoir called the V-Port. METHODS: The newly developed V-Port consists of a non-collapsible reservoir outlined with a titanium cage and a connector for the ventricular catheter to be assembled. It is designed to be better palpated and more durable to multiple punctures than the Ommaya reservoir. A total of nine patients diagnosed with leptomeningeal carcinomatosis were selected for V-Port insertion. Each patient was followed up for evaluation for a month after the operation. RESULTS: The average operation time for V-Port insertion was 42 minutes and the average incision size was 6.6 cm. The surgical technique of V-Port insertion was found to be intuitive by all neurosurgeons who participated in the pilot study. There was no obstruction or leakage of the V-Port during intrathecal chemotherapy or CSF drainage. Also, there were no complications including post-operative intracerebral hemorrhage, infection and skin problems related to the V-Port. CONCLUSION: V-Port is a safe and an easy to use implantable CSF reservoir that addresses problems of other implantable CSF reservoirs. Further multicenter clinical trial is needed to prove the safety and the function of the V-Port.

Effects of Postoperative Radiotherapy on Leptomeningeal Carcinomatosis or Dural Metastasis after Resection of Brain Metastases in Breast Cancer Patients / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

PURPOSE: In this retrospective study, we compared the incidence of leptomeningeal carcinomatosis or dural metastasis (LMCDM) in patients who received whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT), partial radiotherapy (PRT), or no radiotherapy (RT) following resection of brain metastases from breast cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-one patients with breast cancer underwent surgical resection for newly diagnosed brain metastases in two institutions between March 2001 and March 2015. Among these, 34 received postoperative WBRT (n=24) or PRT (n=10) and 17 did not. RESULTS: With a median follow-up of 12.4 months (range, 2.3 to 83.6 months), 22/51 patients developed LMCDM at a median of 8.6 months (range, 4.8 to 51.2 months) after surgery. The 18-months LMCDM-free survival (LMCDM-FS) rates were 77.5%, 30.0%, and 13.6%, in the WBRT, PRT, and no RT groups, respectively (p=0.013). The presence of a tumor adjacent to cerebrospinal fluid flow and no systemic treatment after treatment for brain metastases were also associated with poor LMCDM-FS rate. Multivariate analysis showed that WBRT compared to PRT (p=0.009) and systemic treatment (p < 0.001) were independently associated with reduced incidence of LMCDM. CONCLUSION: WBRT improved LMCDM-FS rate after resection of brain metastases compared to PRT in breast cancer patients.

Effects of Postoperative Radiotherapy on Leptomeningeal Carcinomatosis or Dural Metastasis after Resection of Brain Metastases in Breast Cancer Patients / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

PURPOSE: In this retrospective study, we compared the incidence of leptomeningeal carcinomatosis or dural metastasis (LMCDM) in patients who received whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT), partial radiotherapy (PRT), or no radiotherapy (RT) following resection of brain metastases from breast cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-one patients with breast cancer underwent surgical resection for newly diagnosed brain metastases in two institutions between March 2001 and March 2015. Among these, 34 received postoperative WBRT (n=24) or PRT (n=10) and 17 did not. RESULTS: With a median follow-up of 12.4 months (range, 2.3 to 83.6 months), 22/51 patients developed LMCDM at a median of 8.6 months (range, 4.8 to 51.2 months) after surgery. The 18-months LMCDM-free survival (LMCDM-FS) rates were 77.5%, 30.0%, and 13.6%, in the WBRT, PRT, and no RT groups, respectively (p=0.013). The presence of a tumor adjacent to cerebrospinal fluid flow and no systemic treatment after treatment for brain metastases were also associated with poor LMCDM-FS rate. Multivariate analysis showed that WBRT compared to PRT (p=0.009) and systemic treatment (p < 0.001) were independently associated with reduced incidence of LMCDM. CONCLUSION: WBRT improved LMCDM-FS rate after resection of brain metastases compared to PRT in breast cancer patients.

Unilateral Papilledema in Leptomeningeal Carcinomatosis

No abstract available.

Clinical feature and image analysis of 29 cases of meningeal carcinomatosis / 解放军医学杂志

Objective To study the clinical features, laboratory results and image characteristics of meningeal carcinomatosis (MC). Methods The clinical data, laboratory and image results, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) findings of 29 cases diagnosed as MC were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed. Results Lung cancer is more common as the primary malignancy in MC patients [16(55.2%)]. The earliest neurological symptoms varied in MC patients, and headache was the most common symptom (58.6%), followed by epilepsy (13.8%), vision loss (10.3%), neuralgia (6.8%), hearing loss (6.8%) and hoarseness (3.4%), and a part of MC patients presented some serious complications. Examination of CSF of MC patients revealed an increase in intracranial pressure, and the presence of white blood cells, red blood cells and increased protein content, while the contents of glucose and chlorides decreased.The content of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) increased obviously, and CSF cytological exam was found to be positive in 26% patients. Head CT may not helpful for the diagnosis of the MC. The enhanced brain MRI scanning may reveal abnormal enhancement of piamater in 94.7% of MC patients, with diffuse enhancement in 94.4% of cases occurring mostly in piamater and subarachnoid space. Conclusions MC is an unique form of brain metastases of malignant tumor.The clinical feature are varied and lack of specificity. Enhanced brain MRI scanning and CSF examination may provide some value for diagnosis.Meningeal metastasis is one of the most critical complications resulting in high mortality. Early diagnosis of MCfollowed by enhanced treatment can prolong survival time and improve patients' prognosis.

Application of high-fluorescence body fluid cell mode on the platform Sysmex XE-5000 automated blood analyzer in diagnosis of meningeal carcinomatosis / 国际检验医学杂志

Objective To evaluate the performance of high-fluorescence body fluid cell (HF-BF)mode on the platform Sysmex XE-5000 automated blood analyzer,and analyse its clinical application value in diagnosis of meningeal carcinomatosis.Methods E-valuated the performance of HF-BF by using precision test and methodology comparison test.Retrospectively analyzed 295 test re-sults of cerebrospinal fluid in Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Xiamen University from June 2010 to September 2012.Results HF-BF on the platform Sysmex XE-5000 automated blood analyzer had high precision,and exhibited a good consistency with cytolgical examination.The percentage of high-fluorescence body fluid cell(HF-BF%)in the meningeal carcinomatosis group was higher than that in other cerebral diseases groups,had statistically significant differences (P < 0.05 ).The cut-off value for HF-BF% was 4.3%,while the area under a receiver operating characteristic (ROC)curve (AUC)was 0.933,the sensitivity was 95.2%,and the specificity was 92.7%.When HF-BF% was over 4.3%,it was more likely to detect tumor cell in cerebrospinal fluid cytology.Con-clusion HF-BF is an effective reference index for the early diagnosis of meningeal carcinomatosis and has significant clinical appli-cation value.

A Case of a Meningeal Carcinomatosis of the Internal Auditory Meatus Treated as Sudden Deafness / 대한평형의학회지

We describe a case of meningeal carcinomatosis of the internal auditory meatus presenting as sudden deafness accompanied by dizziness. A 54-year-old woman complained of acute right-side hearing loss in October 2014. The pure tone audiometry test revealed right-side hearing loss of 47.5 dB. She was treated with oral steroids. Her hearing as well as her symptoms of dizziness worsened and she was admitted for further examination. Her right and left-side hearing had worsened to 105.0 dB and 47.5 dB, respectively. A magnetic resonance imaging scan of the head revealed bilateral enhancement of the internal auditory canal and multiple brain metastases. The chest radiograph revealed a mass in the left lung. Adenocarcinoma of the lung was diagnosed. Lumbar puncture yielded no evidence of carcinoma cells in the cerebrospinal fluid, but an increased number of lymphocytes was confirmed. A diagnosis of multiple brain metastases and leptomeningeal metastasis from the adenocarcinoma of the lung was considered. Whole-brain radiation therapy (30 Gr/10 fractions) was administered. Progressive bilateral hearing loss is a rare first manifestation of meningeal carcinomatosis. It is quite important to consider the possibility of this condition when patients present with sudden deafness.

Diagnostic value of biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid in differentiating meningeal carcinomatosis and tubercular meningitis / 中华神经医学杂志

Objective To investigate the diagnostic value ofbiomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid in differentiating meningeal carcinomatosis (MC) and tubercular meningitis (TBM).Methods The clinical features and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) test results of 34 patients with MC and 44 patients with TBM,admitted to our hospital from January 1994 to August 2014,were retrospectively analyzed and compared.Results The main clinical manifestations of MC included headache and bowel and bladder dysfunction,and those of TBM were fever and headache.The cell population of MC and TBM patients increased and the number of leucocyte of TBM patients was significantly larger than that of MC patients (P＜0.05);the CSF of all the patients presented with decreased levels of glucose and chloride,and increased protein level,and higher protein in MC patients was noted than that in TBM patients (P＜0.05).The biomarkers in CSF of MC and TBM patients increased to varying degrees,and the biomarkers,including carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA),cancer antigen (CA) 125,CA 199,CA 153 and CYFRA21-1,in MC group were significantly higher than those in TBM group (P＜0.05).The neuron-specific enolase level in the TBM patients of Ⅲ grade was significantly higher than that in the MC patients (P＜ 0.05).Conclusion The detections of tumor biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid is a tool in differentiating MC and all stages of TBM,especially with the combined detections of CEA,CA125,CA199 and CYFRA21-1.

Chest Wall Pain as the Presenting Symptom of Leptomeningeal Carcinomatosis

Leptomeningeal metastasis (LMM), also referred to as leptomeningeal carcinomatosis, results from diffuse infiltration of the leptomeninges by malignant cells originating from extra-meningeal primary tumors. It occurs in approximately 5%-10% of patients with solid tumor. Among solid tumors, the most common types leading to infiltration of the leptomeninges are breast cancer, lung cancer, and melanoma. Patients with LMM may present various signs and symptoms. Herein, we report a rare case with initial presentation of isolated chest wall pain. Computed tomography of the chest with contrast revealed a 2.5-cm nodule over the left upper lung. Biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of adenocarcinoma. Later, cerebrospinal fluid cytology exam also confirmed leptomeningeal seeding. It is rare for leptomeningeal carcinomatosis patients to present with chest wall pain. Therefore, a high index of suspicion is mandatory for accurate and prompt diagnosis.

Leptomeningeal Carcinomatosis of Gastric Cancer Misdiagnosed as Vestibular Schwannoma

Gastric cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer-related death in Asian countries, including Korea. We experienced a case of leptomeningeal carcinomatosis (LC) from gastric cancer that was originally misdiagnosed as vestibular schwannoma based on the similar radiological characteristics. To our knowledge, LC from gastric cancer is very rare. In conclusion, our experience with this case suggests that clinicians should consider the possibility of delayed leptomeningeal metastasis when treating patients with gastric cancer.

Leptomeningeal carcinomatosis from gastric cancer: single institute retrospective analysis of 9 cases

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to investigate the clinical features and outcomes of 9 consecutive patients who suffered with leptomeningeal carcinomatosis (LMC) originating from gastric cancer. METHODS: Between January 1995 and December 2010, we retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 9 patients with gastric LMC who had been treated at St. Vincent's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea. RESULTS: With the exception of 1 patient, the primary gastric cancer was Borrmann type III or IV, and 5 cases had poorly differentiated or signet ring cell histology. TNM stage of the primary gastric cancer was III in 6 patients. The median interval from diagnosis of the primary malignancy to the diagnosis of LMC was 9 months. Headache (6 cases), altered mental status (4 cases), and dysarthria (3 cases) were presenting symptoms of LMC. Computed tomography findings were abnormal in 4 of 7 cases, while magnetic resonance imaging revealed abnormality in 4 of 5 cases. Radiation therapy was administered to 5 patients and intrathecal chemotherapy was administered to only 1 patient. Median overall survival duration from the diagnosis of LMC was 3 months. CONCLUSION: LMC originating from gastric cancer had a fatal clinical course and treatment strategies remain challenging.

Metástase meníngea em adulto jovem com sarcoma de Ewing da tíbia direita / Meningeal metastasis in young adult with Ewing´s sarcoma of the right tibia

Introdução: O sarcoma de Ewing representa 10% dos tumores ósseos, com predomínio no sexo masculino. A maior incidência é dos 5 aos 14 anos. Acomete mais as extremidades e em 25% dos casos há metástases ao diagnóstico. O acometimento do sistema nervoso central ocorre em 3% dos pacientes. A infiltração das leptomeninges é rara e ocorre predominantemente por contiguidade de uma lesão óssea subjacente. Relato do caso: Mulher de 27 anos com lesão em tíbia direita de 17 cm. A biópsia diagnosticou sarcoma de Ewing. Estadiamento sistêmico foi negativo e planejada quimioterapia neoadjuvante com esquema VAC-IE para preservação do membro. Após o primeiro ciclo de VAC teve neutropenia precoce, infecção de sítio tumoral, sepse e síndrome compartimental do membro. Submetida a amputação suprapatelar. Após 30 dias apresentou paralisia do VII, VI e III pares cranianos à esquerda e VII e III à direita, tomografia computadorizada do crânio foi normal e o líquor confirmou infiltração meníngea. A paciente evoluiu a óbito três dias após o diagnóstico de metástase meníngea. Discussão: A literatura é escassa em informações sobre a frequência do envolvimento meníngeo no sarcoma de Ewing. A forma peculiar do acometimento neste caso, sem metástase óssea que invadisse o sistema nervoso por contiguidade, faz-nos concluir que tal disseminação ocorreu pela via hematogênica. A paciente apresentava fatores de mau prognóstico (tumor > 100ml, idade > 26 anos, intervalo diagnóstico-metástases < 2 anos). O acometimento meníngeo contribuiu para o desfecho desfavorável, pois é um local de difícil controle da doença, considerado um santuário.

Survival in Neoplastic Meningitis as a Function of Diagnostic Modalities

PURPOSE: Neoplastic meningitis (NM) is diagnosed by the presence of malignant cells within cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), or brain and spinal cord imaging with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Patients with NM were divided into three diagnostic subcategories, and overall survival as a function of diagnostic modalities was analyzed. METHODS: A total of 150 patients with a solid tumor or lymphoma diagnosed as NM in an emergency department between 2003 and 2010 were included. Patients were divided into three groups: positive cytology and MRI (n=64), positive cytology with negative MRI (n=43), and negative cytology with positive MRI (n=43). RESULTS: Overall median survival from NM was eight weeks. CSF was positive for malignant cells in 107(71.3%) patients, and MRI was positive in 107(71.3%) patients. Survival did not vary significantly among the three groups [CSF(+), MRI(-): median 12 weeks, range 1-80(95% CI, 7-17); CSF(-), MRI(+): median 12 weeks, range 1-66 (95% CI, 7-17); CSF(+), MRI(+): median 6 weeks, range 1-64(95% CI, 3-9), p=0.306]. CONCLUSION: When considering diagnostic modalities, examination of CSF and MRI showed the same sensitivities, and the survival of NM was similar in patients with different diagnostic modalities.