PRIMARY DIFFUSE MENINGEAL MELANOMATOSIS – CASE REPORT

Abstract

Background: The diffuse meningeal melanomatosis (MM) is part of a group of rare melanocytic diseases. Aiming to emphasize aspects of the natural history, diagnosis and treatment of this rare disease we decide to report the present case. Cade Description: A 17 years-old girl presenting with headache for the last 45 days, followed by episodes of agitation and hallucinations. CT scan revealed mild meningeal enhancement on the right hemisphere. MRi revealed significant diffuse dura--mater thickening, invading cerebral cortex and white matter, including the brain stem. The study of cerebrospinal fluid showed the presence of neoplastic cells, cytology confirmed melanocytes. The histological study, carried out from the brain biopsy, showed diffuse melanocytes infiltrating the meninges, at the subarachnoid space and cerebral cortex. The histological diagnosis was diffuse MM. Conclusions: In conclusion, diffuse MM is a rare condition of malignant characteristics and usually has a poor prognosis. Early diagnosis is essential to determine and expand the patient's therapy.