PMC:2724631 / 5003-7883 JSONTXT

{"project":"2_test","denotations":[{"id":"19290482-14804124-63243930","span":{"begin":398,"end":399},"obj":"14804124"},{"id":"19290482-15995830-63243931","span":{"begin":551,"end":553},"obj":"15995830"},{"id":"19290482-14804124-63243932","span":{"begin":863,"end":864},"obj":"14804124"},{"id":"19290482-7674024-63243933","span":{"begin":1233,"end":1234},"obj":"7674024"},{"id":"19290482-16431108-63243934","span":{"begin":1569,"end":1570},"obj":"16431108"},{"id":"19290482-16488248-63243935","span":{"begin":1572,"end":1573},"obj":"16488248"},{"id":"19290482-7708153-63243936","span":{"begin":2254,"end":2255},"obj":"7708153"},{"id":"19290482-17184079-63243936","span":{"begin":2254,"end":2255},"obj":"17184079"},{"id":"19290482-7674024-63243936","span":{"begin":2254,"end":2255},"obj":"7674024"}],"text":"Discussion\nThe dissemination of parenchymal glial tumors into the leptomeninges has been recognized since the early twentieth century [8]. PDLG by contrast is a rare condition in which a glioma primarily involves the leptomeningeal space without obvious extension into the central nervous system parenchyma. The tumors likely arise from heterotopic nests of glial tissue in the subarachnoid space [9]. Patients with PDLG can present with a variety of clinical symptoms, but the most common presenting symptoms are due to raised intracranial pressure [10].\nCooper and Kernohan in a pathologic study of heterotopic cell rests and leptomeningeal gliomas found no attachment of the extramedullary tumor to the underlying parenchyma, no evidence of a primary neoplastic process within the neuraxis, and many of the tumors were encapsulated by a leptomeningeal sheath [9]. Chen et al. proposed that a diagnosis can only be established after a complete neuroanatomical examination, which includes postmortem examination of the brain and spinal cord, a gross inspection of representative thin sections from the entire neuraxis, and a microscopic examination of all areas that raise the suspicion of pial disruption during gross examination [7]. These criteria rely on autopsy data to determine a postmortem diagnosis; hence making a clinical diagnosis continues to remain difficult. Due to the nonspecific and variable clinical presentation many cases have been diagnosed and managed as tuberculous meningitis with the diagnosis of PDLG made only at late stages or postmortem [1, 2]. Since the characteristic MRI finding is that of a diffuse contrast enhancing process chronic meningitis needs to be ruled out. Therefore, a biopsy is necessary in the work up of the patient. Due to the paucity of reported cases in the literature the optimum treatment plan for PDLG or PLO is unknown. Our decision to use cranial radiation and chemotherapy was empiric after discussion with the patient as well as experts from our and outside institutions.\nIn contrast to the relatively well-documented primary leptomeningeal astrocytomas, primary leptomeningeal oligodendrogliomas are rare with only three reported isolated leptomeningeal cases with no parenchymal involvement [5–7]. Our case adds to the literature documenting the occurrence and features of PLO. With the definite documentation of intact chromosomes 1 and 19, our case provides insight towards the spectrum of molecular findings associated with this condition, and its prognostic implications with respect to chemotherapy. Since PLO can mimic diffuse forms of granulomatous meningitis, it should be suspected in patients that clinically and radiographically present with symptoms of granulomatous meningitis but without blood or CSF markers for the same. Ultimately the diagnosis rests on obtaining a biopsy and histologic confirmation."}