Primary melanocytic lesions of the CNS: report of five cases

Primary melanocytic tumours of the central nervous system (CNS) form a rare entity which is histologically and clinically distinct from metastatic cutaneous or retinal malignant melanoma. They can be classified into diffuse melanocytosis (diffuse melanosis), malignant melanoma and benign melanocytoma with a small number of intermediate variants. In this paper, 5 cases treated neurosurgically in our department for spinal or cerebral primary CNS malignant melanoma are reported. Primary tumors and further metastases were ruled out. Radiological, histological and clinical features are discussed. Compared to metastatic disease, primary CNS malignant melanoma shows a more benign clinical course with long-term tumour control and a good quality of life. A review of the literature which mainly consists of individual case reports, confirms this assessment. Although therapeutic experience for primary melanocytic lesions of the CNS is based on a small number of published cases, prognosis seems highly dependent on complete tumour resection. Adjuvant radiation seems to be of additional therapeutic benefit. Except for meningeosis melanomatosa chemotherapy must be regarded as experimental. Unfortunately, a standardised therapy concept is still lacking.     

Primary melanocytic tumors of the central nervous system: a neuroradiological and clinicopathological study of five cases and brief review of literature

Primary melanocytic tumors of the central nervous system (CNS) are uncommon lesions. These lesions arise from the melanocytes located within leptomeninges and include diffuse melanocytosis and meningeal melanomatosis (seen in neurocutaneous melanosis), melanocytoma, and malignant melanoma. To study, the clinical course, neuroradiological features, morphology and immunohistochemistry of primary melanocytic tumor of CNS. Demographic, clinical and surgico-pathologic findings of five patients with melanocytic tumors seen between 1996 and 2003 were studied. In this study, five cases of primary melanocytic tumors have been reported: four cases of malignant melanoma and one case of melanocytoma. Three of the 5 cases were intracranial and 2 were spinal. The mean age in the present study was 26 years. Presenting features varied according to the location. Primary melanocytic tumor of CNS are rare. Whenever possible, complete surgical excision is the best treatment.     

Primary melanocytic neoplasms of the central nervous system

Primary melanocytic neoplasms of the central nervous system (CNS) are rare lesions arising from melanocytes of the leptomeninges. They include diffuse leptomeningeal melanocytosis or melanomatosis, melanocytoma and primary malignant melanoma. We have reviewed the English literature regarding these lesions, which consists of case reports and a small number of larger case series. The presenting features, radiological, surgical and histological findings are reviewed, as are current management options and prognosis. We also present illustrative case reports of diffuse leptomeningeal melanocytosis and primary melanoma of the CNS.     

Activating mutations of the GNAQ gene: a frequent event in primary melanocytic neoplasms of the central nervous system

Primary melanocytic neoplasms of the central nervous system (CNS) are uncommon neoplasms derived from melanocytes that normally can be found in the leptomeninges. They cover a spectrum of malignancy grades ranging from low-grade melanocytomas to lesions of intermediate malignancy and overtly malignant melanomas. Characteristic genetic alterations in this group of neoplasms have not yet been identified. Using direct sequencing, we investigated 19 primary melanocytic lesions of the CNS (12 melanocytomas, 3 intermediate-grade melanocytomas, and 4 melanomas) for hotspot oncogenic mutations commonly found in melanocytic tumors of the skin (BRAF, NRAS, and HRAS genes) and uvea (GNAQ gene). Somatic mutations in the GNAQ gene at codon 209, resulting in constitutive activation of GNAQ, were detected in 7/19 (37%) tumors, including 6/12 melanocytomas, 0/3 intermediate-grade melanocytomas, and 1/4 melanomas. These GNAQ-mutated tumors were predominantly located around the spinal cord (6/7). One melanoma carried a BRAF point mutation that is frequently found in cutaneous melanomas (c.1799 T>A, p.V600E), raising the question whether this is a metastatic rather than a primary tumor. No HRAS or NRAS mutations were detected. We conclude that somatic mutations in the GNAQ gene at codon 209 are a frequent event in primary melanocytic neoplasms of the CNS. This finding provides new insight in the pathogenesis of these lesions and suggests that GNAQ-dependent mitogen-activated kinase signaling is a promising therapeutic target in these tumors. The prognostic and predictive value of GNAQ mutations in primary melanocytic lesions of the CNS needs to be determined in future studies.     

Primary cerebellopontine angle melanoma: a case report and review

Primary melanomas at the cerebellopontine (CP) angle are extremely rare and considered a diagnostic dilemma. With only 16 prior cases reported so far, there is not enough material in world literature. We report a 29-year-old male who presented with vertigo, headache and features of lower cranial nerve involvement with MRI revealing a melanotic lesion at CP angle. The patient underwent right suboccipital craniectomy and only subtotal excision of the tumor was possible. Histopathologically it turned out to be malignant melanoma. Since a thorough search for any possible primary was futile, it was considered a primary melanoma. Patient was given adjuvant radiotherapy. Ten months later, he presented with weakness and multiple spinal metastases and two months later he succumbed to his disease. We did a comprehensive review of literature about various melanocytic tumors at the CP angle. Pathologically, melanocytic tumors range from benign melanocytomas to malignant melanoma with variable prognosis. The clinical presentation depends upon whether the lesions are diffuse or discrete. Surgery is the primary modality of treatment and the amount of tumor excised is related to the prognosis. We conclude the discussion with a novel classification for melanotic tumors of CNS and the current diagnostic pathway for a melanotic lesion at the CP angle.     

Primary amelanotic meningeal melanomatosis

Primary melanocytic lesions of the central nervous system are rare. The spread of melanoma cells primarily into the meningeal layers is referred to as meningeal melanomatosis. A few case reports about either intracranial or intraspinal primary meningeal melanoma were published in the past. The amelanotic variation of primary melanoma in the central nervous system is a very rare event and so far no cases of primary amelanotic meningeal melanomatosis have been described in the current literature. We present a case with combined multiple intracranial and intraspinal primary malignant amelanotic melanomas.     

Primary spinal melanoma with bilateral papilledema

A case of primary leptomeningeal malignant melanoma localized in the cervical region in a 41-year-old woman is presented. The only clinical finding was intracranial hypertension with papilledema. A diagnosis of primary CNS melanoma was made after dermatological and ophthalmological consultations, ruled out a metastatic lesion. Primary leptomeningeal melanoma is an extremely rare spinal tumor. Its clinical presentation with signs of increased intracranial pressure but without cord symptoms is unusual. Clinical features of this case including the radiological and histologic findings are described. Diagnosis as well as management is discussed.     

Primary meningeal intermediate grade melanocytic neoplasm: case report with radiologic-pathologic correlation

A case of primary meningeal intermediate grade melanocytic neoplasm involving the right C2 nerve root is presented. MRI findings may suggest this rare entity, especially when an extra-axial lesion is located in the posterior fossa or cervical spinal canal and demonstrates shortening of both T1 and T2. Eventually, definitive diagnosis relies on histology which demonstrates spindle-shaped melanocytic cells that are Fontana stained and positive for HMB:45 antigen. Cellularity, pleomorphism, mitotic rate, proliferation index and invasiveness are useful criteria to distinguish among the spectrum of primary melanocytic tumors of the central nervous system ranging from melanocytoma to malignant melanoma.     

Diagnosis and therapy of meningosis neoplastica]

Metastatic leptomeningeal disease occurs in 5-30% of patients with breast or lung cancer, malignant melanoma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, leukemia and primary malignant brain tumors. Intrathecal chemotherapy with methotrexate, cytarabine, or thiotepa combined with irradiation of the site of major involvement increases overall median survival from 1-2 months to 2-7 months. Clinical outcome is limited by progression of systemic or CNS disease and by the neurotoxic side effects of therapy, i.e. leukoencephalopathy. New immunotherapeutic strategies of intrathecal treatment may be effective and less toxic, but are not yet sufficiently defined and available. This review covers the current diagnostic and therapeutic features of metastatic leptomeningeal disease. Pragmatic therapeutic recommendations, based on available clinical knowledge are given with special consideration of the side effects of therapy.     

Intraventricular melanocytoma diagnosis confirmed by gene mutation profile

Primary leptomeningeal melanocytic tumors (PLMTs) are rare. They usually arise along the spinal cord and at the skull base. Here we report on a patient with a very rare intraventricular melanocytoma. Histologically, a melanocytic tumor was clearly diagnosed. However, to make the uncommon diagnosis of an intraventricular melanocytoma, metastatic melanoma needed to be excluded. Next generation sequencing covering gene mutations that may occur in PLMTs and cutaneous melanoma was performed. The unique gene mutation profile detected, consisting of an activating CYSLTR2 L129Q mutation and EIF1AX G9R mutation and a lack of mutations in genes known to occur in metastatic melanoma (i.e. BRAF or NRAS) confirmed the diagnosis of an intraventricular melanocytoma. This case report is the second intraventricular melanocytoma published to date and demonstrates the value of applying novel genetic assays to make this diagnosis.     

颅内转移性恶性黑色素瘤:一例报告并文献复习

目的探讨颅内转移性恶性黑色素瘤临床组织病理学及免疫组织化学特征。方法应用组织病理学及免疫组织化学检测方法对1例颅内多发转移性恶性黑色素瘤患者的两次手术标本进行观察,通过复习文献分析其组织病理学和免疫组织化学特征,提出诊断与鉴别诊断要点。结果男性患者,48岁。因颅内多发占位性病变、肿瘤卒中而行右侧额颞叶肿瘤切除术。两次手术标本组织病理学表现不一:首次右侧额叶病灶表现为异型性上皮样肿瘤细胞围绕毛细血管和纤维组织呈乳头状排列;再次手术标本为右侧颞叶,病灶表现为梭形细胞呈片巢状或束状排列,胞质丰富、淡染或透亮,胞核异型性明显、核仁呈明显嗜酸性。左侧腹股沟淋巴结活检提示肿瘤转移,且肿瘤组织局部可见大量黑色素颗粒。免疫组织化学染色肿瘤细胞弥漫表达S-100蛋白、人黑色素细胞瘤抗原45、Melan-A和波形蛋白,部分表达上皮膜抗原,而细胞角蛋白、高分子角蛋白、低分子角蛋白、胶质纤维酸性蛋白、突触素、神经微丝蛋白等表达阴性。结论颅内转移性恶性黑色素瘤的组织学表现复杂多样,临床病史和影像学资料对诊断具有重要参考价值,但明确诊断仍需依靠免疫组织化学检测结果。需注意与转移癌、脑膜肿瘤、淋巴瘤及其他含黑色素的颅内肿瘤相鉴别。     

Primary lymphomatoid granulomatosis in the central nervous system: A report of three cases

Lymphomatoid granulomatosis (LYG) is a rare lymphoproliferative disorder characterized by infiltration of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)‐positive large atypical B‐cells in an angiocentric fashion in a mixed inflammatory background. The histologic spectrum of LYG ranges from reactive proliferation to diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma according to the number of EBV+ B‐cells. It is known that virtually all patients have pulmonary involvement, whereas primary LYG of the other organs has been rarely reported. Herein, we describe three cases of primary LYG of the central nervous system (CNS) without pulmonary lesions, and this is the first collection to be reported in Korea. All of the cases revealed multifocal enhancing necrotic brain lesions masking as metastatic tumors, infection or vasculitis. These patients were successfully managed by corticosteroids and immunomodulating agents without chemotherapy against malignant lymphoma even in grade 3 LYG. We assume that primary CNS LYG might be less aggressive and more controllable than pulmonary LYG. The clinicopathologic characteristics of the cases with a special regard to the differential diagnosis and clinical courses are discussed in combination with an overview of the literature.     

颅内转移性恶性黑色素瘤：一例报告并文献复习

目的探讨颅内转移性恶性黑色素瘤临床组织病理学及免疫组织化学特征。方法应用组织病理学及免疫组织化学检测方法对1例颅内多发转移性恶性黑色素瘤患者的两次手术标本进行观察,通过复习文献分析其组织病理学和免疫组织化学特征,提出诊断与鉴别诊断要点。结果男性患者,48岁。因颅内多发占位性病变、肿瘤卒中而行右侧额颞叶肿瘤切除术。两次手术标本组织病理学表现不一：首次右侧额叶病灶表现为异型性上皮样肿瘤细胞围绕毛细血管和纤维组织呈乳头状排列;再次手术标本为右侧颞叶,病灶表现为梭形细胞呈片巢状或束状排列,胞质丰富、淡染或透亮,胞核异型性明显、核仁呈明显嗜酸性。左侧腹股沟淋巴结活检提示肿瘤转移,且肿瘤组织局部可见大量黑色素颗粒。免疫组织化学染色肿瘤细胞弥漫表达S一100蛋白、人黑色素细胞瘤抗原45、Melan—A和波形蛋白,部分表达上皮膜抗原,而细胞角蛋白、高分子角蛋白、低分子角蛋白、胶质纤维酸性蛋白、突触素、神经微丝蛋白等表达阴性。结论颅内转移性恶性黑色素瘤的组织学表现复杂多样,临床病史和影像学资料对诊断具有重要参考价值,但明确诊断仍需依靠免疫组织化学检测结果。需注意与转移癌、脑膜肿瘤、淋巴瘤及其他含黑色素的颅内肿瘤相鉴别。     

Multiple cerebral and leptomeningeal metastases from ovarian carcinoma: unusual early presentation.

Although virtually any systemic malignancy is capable of metastasizing to the brain, ovarian carcinoma, one of the more common female genital malignancies, is one of the rarer forms of brain metastases. In general, the outcome for ovarian carcinoma with brain metastases is extremely poor as most of these patients have widespread lesions elsewhere. This report describes the first known case of multiple cerebral and leptomeningeal metastases as the initial manifestation of ovarian carcinoma in a 41-year old woman who presented with a one-week history of headache, vomiting and confusion. CT scan of the brain was unremarkable, but lumbar puncture revealed atypical cells in the CSF. MRI scan of the brain showed multiple small enhancing lesions. Craniotomy for excision of one of these lesions demonstrated metastatic adenocarcinoma. A large ovarian tumour identified on pelvic CT scan was resected and the patient subsequently received chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Unfortunately she continued to decline and died within six months. Unlike primary tumours such as malignant melanoma, ovarian carcinoma does not have a predilection for the central nervous system (CNS), but the rare instances with CNS involvement occur at an advanced stage of the disease. Once the CNS is involved, the outcome is abysmal, even with multimodality therapy. It is extremely unusual for ovarian carcinoma to present with multiple CNS involvement.     

中枢神经系统原发性黑色素瘤10例临床分析

目的 探讨中枢神经系统原发性黑色素瘤的诊治与随访结果.方法 回顾性分析自2002年1月至2013年1月收治的10例中枢神经系统原发性黑色素瘤患者的临床表现、影像学特点、病理结果、手术治疗与预后情况.结果 10例黑色素瘤患者中发生于颅内者8例,椎管内者1例,颅颈交界区1例.手术全切除8例,大部切除2例.病理检查黑色素瘤8例,脑脊膜黑色素细胞瘤2例.随访3月至11年,6例死亡,其中1例术后综合治疗后存活了7年,后因并发症死亡,术后中位生存期1.1年.4例术后放疗,恢复正常生活.结论 中枢神经系统原发性黑色素瘤发病率低,但术前诊断困难,误诊率较高.手术切除为首选,术后结合放、化疗,可延长生存时间,但总的预后差.     

Vasculitis of the nervous system

Vasculitis is inflammation of the blood vessels, which may involve either the central nervous system (CNS), or the peripheral nervous system (PNS), or both. This involvement may be primary and restricted to the CNS, and rarely to the PNS. Vasculitis is inflammation of the blood vessels, which may involve either the central nervous system (CNS), or the peripheral nervous system (PMS), or both. This involvement may be primary and restricted to the CNS, and rarely to the PNS. “Primary angiitis of the CNS” is the term used to describe isolated CNS involvement by vasculitis, in which neither the clinical presentation and behaviour of the disease, nor the histopathology is uniform. This heterogeneity indicates a spectrum, depending on the type and extent of the vascular involvement seen within the CNS, covering a group of disorders, rather than a single disease. This may explain the different prognosis and response to treatments.. In clinical practice vasculitis of the nervous system, secondary to a known cause or underlying disease is more commonly seen than as a primary disorder. Primary systemic vasculitides and connective-tissue disorders, Behçet's Disease, lymphoproliferative diseases and other malignancies, some infections and related conditions, drugs and substance abuse are some of the conditions known to cause vasculitis in the nervous system. There is a broad variety of pathogenetic mechanisms. Both the CNS and the PNS may be involved, either separately or together.     

Primary Spinal Cord Melanoma

Primary central nervous system (CNS) melanoma is a rare condition that accounts for only 1% of all melanomas. A 34-year-old Korean female presented with a two-month history of progressive weakness in both legs. Spinal magnetic resonance image (MRI) revealed a spinal cord tumor at the level of T4, which was hyperintense on T1-weighted imaging and hypointense on T2-weighted imaging. The intradural and extramedullary tumor was completely resected and diagnosed as melanoma. There were no metastatic lesions. At three years after surgery, the patient is still alive, with no evidence of tumor recurrence. We present the details of this case along with a comprehensive review of spinal cord melanoma.     

Primary spinal melanoma: A case report

Primary spinal cord melanoma is a rare disease that accounts for only 1% of all melanocytomas. Here we report a case of primary melanoma of the cervical spinal cord. In our case, 26-year-old female who were admitted to the hospital for left arm pain. Spinal magnetic resonance image (MRI) revealed a spinal cord tumor at the level of C2-3. The MRI images showed that the tumor compressed the spinal cord. At surgery, the spinal cord was under pressure and covered with shaped blackish brown neoplastic tissue. There were not any metastatic lesions. The patient is still alive six months after surgery.     

Primary melanoma of the cauda equina: Case report and review of the literature

The authors report the case of an 82 year-old woman with a primary malignant melanoma of the cauda equina resembling lumbar schwannoma in the MRI study. Melanocytic neoplasms are very rare but they should be included in the differential diagnosis of lesions involving the spinal nerves. The treatment of choice for these lesions is complete resection followed by radiotherapy. The outcomes reported in the literature are variable and are associated with the age of presentation, histopathological findings, extent of surgical resection and absence of metastatic lesions.