Primary cerebral ALK-1-positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma in a child. Case report and literature review.
A 4-year-old African American male was referred to the Pediatric Neurosurgery Service for evaluation of new onset seizures and worsening mental status. An MRI of the brain revealed a pineal region mass with diffuse leptomeningeal enhancement and compression of the basilar cisterns. A biopsy of the brain revealed histologic and immunophenotypic findings characteristic of ALK-1+ anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL). ALCL rarely occurs in the central nervous system and poses a significant diagnostic challenge often leading to a delay in the initiation of appropriate treatment. We describe a case of a rapidly deteriorating clinical course in a child with central nervous system ALCL and review the current literature on ALCL occurring in the central nervous system.
Karikari
Isaac O
IO
Pediatric Neurosurgery Service, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.
Thomas
Keyne K
KK
Lagoo
Anand
A
Cummings
Thomas J
TJ
George
Timothy M
TM
D030301:Activin Receptors, Type II / Q000032:analysis*; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000032:analysis*; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000473:pathology; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D017728:Lymphoma, Large-Cell, Anaplastic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; C425364:ACVRL1 protein, human; D030301:Activin Receptors, Type II