title: Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging findings in a patient with cerebral syphilitic gumma.
abstract: 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.
authors: Department of Neuroradiology, Hospital de S. Marcos, Braga, Portugal. jsf@bragatel.pt
authors: João P
authors: JP
authors: Soares-Fernandes
authors: Manuel
authors: M
authors: Ribeiro
authors: Ricardo
authors: R
authors: Maré
authors: Zita
authors: Z
authors: Magalhães
authors: Esmeralda
authors: E
authors: Lourenço
authors: Jaime F
authors: JF
authors: Rocha
mesh_terms: 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*