Primary diffuse leptomeningeal gliomatosis: report of a case presenting with chronic meningitis

J Clin Neurol. 2006 Sep;2(3):202-5. doi: 10.3988/jcn.2006.2.3.202. Epub 2006 Sep 20.

Abstract

Neoplastic meningitis occurs in approximately 5% of patients with cancer. Primary diffuse leptomeningeal gliomatosis is a rare condition whereby a glioma arises from heterotopic cell nests in the leptomeninges. We report here a case presenting with clinical features similar to those of chronic infectious meningitis without positive cerebrospinal fluid cytology. Neurological signs in our patient deteriorated progressively without responding to antitubercular, antiviral, or antibiotic therapy. Leptomeningeal biopsy sampling revealed the condition to be primary diffuse leptomeningeal gliomatosis.

Keywords: Chronic meningitis; Primary diffuse leptomeningeal gliomatosis.