Tumefactive intracranial presentation of precursor B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Pediatr Radiol. 2009 Nov;39(11):1230-3. doi: 10.1007/s00247-009-1347-x. Epub 2009 Sep 10.

Abstract

In children, leukemia is the most common malignancy, and approximately 75% of leukemias are acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Central nervous system leukemia is found at diagnosis in fewer than 5% of children with ALL. Leukemic intracranial masses have been described with acute myeloid leukemia, but ALL presenting as a mass lesion is rare. We describe a unique case of an intracranial confirmed precursor B cell (pre-B) ALL mass in a 13-year-old girl that was diagnosed by brain CT, MRI and cerebral angiography, and confirmed by biopsy. This report details pertinent history and distinguishing imaging features of an intracranial ALL tumefaction.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Brain Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Cerebral Angiography / methods*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Precursor B-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / diagnosis*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods*