Tumor-like multiple sclerosis: report of four cases and literature review.
OBJECTIVE
Classical multiple sclerosis plaques usually have typical features on gadolinium-enhanced MRI scan. This non-neoplastic demyelinating process of the central nervous system generally does not produce focal space-occupying lesions associated with ring enhancement. However, atypical appearance of demyelinating lesions simulating a brain tumor is a possible well-known phenomenon.


METHODS
We present our experience with 4 cases of multiple sclerosis indistinguishable clinically and neuroradiologically from a cerebral tumor. All patients underwent surgery.


RESULTS
Histological examinations of all cases were positive for multiple sclerosis plaques.


CONCLUSIONS
The presented cases demonstrate the importance of considering a demyelinating disease in the differential diagnosis of a tumor-like brain lesion.
Caroli
Emanuela
E
Department of Neurological Sciences, Neurosurgery, St. Andrea Hospital, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy. manucarol2000@yahoo.it
Salvati
Maurizio
M
Ferrante
Luigi
L
D000328:Adult; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed