title: Leptomeningeal carcinomatosis: a report of 3 cases and review of the literature.
abstract: Once thought to be rare, leptomeningeal carcinomatosis from systemic cancer is becoming more common as cancer patients are living longer. Lung, breast and malignant melanoma comprise the majority of solid tumor cases with this condition. The hallmark of the disease and the differential diagnosis are discussed. Only the identification of malignant cells in the cerebrospinal fluid provides as clear-cut diagnosis. Biochemical markers, thus far, cannot substitute for a positive cytology, but may aid in the diagnosis. We report and discuss 3 cases of complete biochemical and radiological assessment and variable degree of aggressiveness of treatment. Better control of the systemic cancer may result in prolongation of life.
authors.affiliation: Division of Neurology, University of Nebraska, Medical Center, Omaha 68105.
authors.forename: A P
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Gasecki
authors.forename: R M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Bashir
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Foley
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D002285:Carcinoma, Intraductal, Noninfiltrating / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000556:secondary; D018288:Carcinoma, Small Cell / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000556:secondary; D003561:Cytarabine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008577:Meningeal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000556:secondary*; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged; D009192:Myelography; D011241:Prednisone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014750:Vincristine / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D003561:Cytarabine; D014750:Vincristine; D011241:Prednisone; D008727:Methotrexate