Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging findings in a patient with cerebral syphilitic gumma.
Cerebral syphilitic gummas are rare entities, consisting of masses of granulation tissue that result from an exacerbated cell-mediated inflammatory response to Treponema pallidum, usually arising from the meninges of the convexity. Conventional magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography findings of cerebral gummas have been reported, but diffusion-weighted imaging findings have not been previously described. In our patient, magnetic resonance imaging revealed a juxtacortical lesion with nodular enhancement, moderately restricted diffusion, a dural tail, and surrounding vasogenic edema. The role of diffusion-weighted imaging findings in the diagnosis of this condition is underscored.
Soares-Fernandes
João P
JP
Department of Neuroradiology, Hospital de S. Marcos, Braga, Portugal. jsf@bragatel.pt
Ribeiro
Manuel
M
Maré
Ricardo
R
Magalhães
Zita
Z
Lourenço
Esmeralda
E
Rocha
Jaime F
JF
D000328:Adult; D001927:Brain Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis; D038524:Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D006097:Granulation Tissue / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009494:Neurosyphilis / Q000175:diagnosis*