title: Symmetrical Curvilinear Cytotoxic Edema Along the Surface of the Brain Stem: A Probable New Magnetic Resonance Imaging Finding of Leptomeningeal Carcinomatosis.
abstract: Lung cancer is one of the most common neoplasms to appear leptomeningeal metastasis (LM). Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is better diagnostic choice for LM and usually shows focal nodular or diffuse linear enhancement on the leptomeninges along the sulci and tentorium in the brain. We experienced atypical 2 cases of lung cancer in patients who showed unusual brain MRI finding of symmetrical curvilinear or band-like, nonenhancing cytotoxic edema along the surface of the brain stem. This finding is unique and different from the general findings of leptomeningeal metastasis. This unique imaging finding of symmetric curvilinear nonenhancing cytotoxic edema along the brainstem is extremely rare and represents a new presentation of leptomeningeal carcinomatosis.
authors.affiliation: From Department of Radiology, Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital, Gyunggi-do, South Korea (EKK, ALL, K-HC, HSH); Department of Radiology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea (TJY).
authors.forename: Eun Kyung
authors.initials: EK
authors.lastname: Khil
authors.forename: A Leum
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Kee-Hyun
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.forename: Tae Jin
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Yun
authors.forename: Hyun Sook
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Hong
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001933:Brain Stem / Q000473:pathology*; D004487:Edema / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D055756:Meningeal Carcinomatosis / Q000556:secondary*; D008875:Middle Aged