Neurological Disorders

Carcinoma Lung Presenting as Intracranial Hypertension and Lower Cranial Nerve Palsies

Abstract

Chakor Rahul T and Eklare Nishikant C

Carcinomatous meningitis (CM) results from spread of malignant cells from solid tumors to leptomeninges and subarachnoid space. CM occurs in the late stage of cancer in the setting of widespread metastases. We report a patient presenting with intracranial hypertension, lower cranial nerve palsies and reactive CSF. His post contrast MRI brain and skull base was normal. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was cellular but did not show malignant cells. Repeat CSF cytology the third time finally demonstrated carcinoma cells. A pulmonary mass was subsequently detected on high resolution computed tomogram (CT) of chest. CT guided biopsy was suggestive of adenocarcinoma.