Leptomeningeal carcinomatosis associated with oesophageal adenocarcinoma: two case reports and review of the literature

Acta Gastroenterol Belg. 2006 Oct-Dec;69(4):377-80.

Abstract

Leptomeningeal carcinomatosis (LC) is a rare complication of solid tumours. We report two cases of leptomeningeal carcinomatosis in patients with oesophageal adenocarcinoma. Diagnosis of LC can be overlooked without a high index of suspicion. Multifocality of symptoms and signs is the hallmark of LC. The combination of cerebrospinal fluid cytology and magnetic resonance imaging has a high diagnostic accuracy. The prognosis remains poor and therefore all therapies are still palliative.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / diagnosis
  • Adenocarcinoma / secondary*
  • Esophageal Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Meningeal Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Meningeal Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Meninges / diagnostic imaging
  • Meninges / pathology
  • Middle Aged
  • Radiography