Primary CNS lymphoma

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Background

  • Caused by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)
  • Occurs with profound immunosuppression (CD4 counts <50cells/uL)
  • Accounts for approximately 20 to 30% of CNS lesions in patients with AIDs

Clinical Features

  • Can present with a variety of focal or nonfocal signs and symptoms
  • Confusion, lethargy, memory loss, hemiparesis, aphasia, mental status changes, seizures
  • Constitutional symptoms (systemic B symptoms)

Differential Diagnosis

Evaluation

  • CT scan: well-defined focal lesion, isodense or hyperdense to the gray matter
  • MRI scan (higher diagnostic yield): variable, isointense or hypointense lesions on T1-weighted images
    • Lesions that involve the corpus callosum, periventricular, or periependymal areas are more likely to be due to a lymphoma
  • Lumbar puncture: CSF cytology
    • CSF EBV PCR
    • Should also obtain toxoplasma serologies, most are treated empirically for toxoplasma while serology is pending
  • Stereotactic brain biopsy if needed

Management

  • High-dose methotrexate therapy (3 g/m2 for four to eight cycles)

Disposition

See Also

External Links

References

Authors

Lisa Yee