Brainstem melanomas presenting as a cavernous malformation.
Publication/Presentation Date
8-1-2014
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Melanoma lesions in the brainstem can be difficult to distinguish radiographically and clinically from cavernous malformations. However, the treatment modalities and clinical course of these two diseases differ considerably. We report two cases of melanoma presenting as brainstem hemorrhages.
CASE DESCRIPTION: A 69-year-old male was found to have a hemorrhagic lesion of the right dorsal midbrain. After a repeat hemorrhage, the lesion was resected and found to be hyperchromatic. Nonetheless, the patient suffered rebleeding and died 3 months later. A 62-year-old female was similarly found to have an acute pontine hemorrhage. After resection of the lesion, she underwent whole-brain radiation therapy but ultimately died 5.5 months later. The histopathology of both lesions was consistent with melanoma.
CONCLUSIONS: Melanoma in the brainstem can mimic cavernous malformations. While management of these lesions includes stereotactic radiosurgery, whole-brain radiation, and surgical resection, metastatic brainstem melanoma follows an aggressive clinical course with a poor prognosis.
Volume
60
Issue
4
First Page
184
Last Page
187
ISSN
1773-0619
Published In/Presented At
Lu, A. Y., Patel, A. R., Kuzmik, G. A., Atsina, K. K., Bronen, R. A., Jabbour, P. M., Hasan, D. M., Vortmeyer, A. O., Welch, B. G., & Bulsara, K. R. (2014). Brainstem melanomas presenting as a cavernous malformation. Neuro-Chirurgie, 60(4), 184–187. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuchi.2014.02.005
Disciplines
Business Administration, Management, and Operations | Health and Medical Administration | Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
PubMedID
24856047
Department(s)
Administration and Leadership
Document Type
Article