Clinical Features and Prognosis of Leptomeningeal Carcinomatosis

ABSTRACT

This study was done in 8 cases of leptomeningeal carcinomatosis which were confirmed by positive C.S.F. cytology at Yonsei University Medical Center from August 1987 to September 1989. We found following results through investigating the clinical features and prognosis of leptomeningeal carcinomatosis. 1. Primary site was stomach in 4 patients, lung in 3 patients, rectum in 1 patient 2. Positive Cytology was 6 patients at initial CSF study, and 2 patients at second CSF study. 3. Median diagnostic interval from diagnosis of primary tumor was 76 days. 4. Frequent neurologic symptoms were headache, nausia and vomiting, and frequent neurologic signs were nuchal rigidity and weakness of lower extremities at this study. 5. Median survival interval from diagnosis of leptomeningeal carcinomatosis was 7 days without treatment, 31 days (15 days-45 days) with radiation therapy, and over 115 days (80 days-over 156 days) with radiation therapy and intrathecal MTX. Two patients were living when this study was completed.