Central Nervous System Involvement in Burkitt's Lymphoma

Thirty-five of 77 patients (46%) withBurkitt’s lymphoma presented or developed evidence of central nervous system involvement by tumor. Neurologic abnormalities included paraplegia, cranial neuropathy, altered levels ofconsciousness and malignant pleocytosis.An analysis of this series disclosed thefollowing: Paraplegia is a common presenting feature of Burkitt’s lymphomaand is responsive to systemic chemotherapy. The association of cranial neuropathy and malignant pleocytosis withfacial tumors points to direct tumor extension to intracranial structures (duraarachnoid) as the pathogenesis of theselesions. Intrathecal chemotherapy temporarily reverses malignant pleocytosisbut systemic chemotherapy is requiredto treat cranial neuropathy. A poor prognosis follows presentation or developmentof malignant pleocytosis. The limitationsof the current forms of therapy for CNSinvolvement are discussed.

Submitted on April 20, 1970 Revised on June 9, 1970 Accepted on June 10, 1970