Primary central nervous system lymphoma complicated by cerebral venous sinus thrombosis: a case report
  • Teresa Medeiros
    Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Pedro Hispano, ULSM, Matosinhos, Portugal
  • Sofia Sequeira
    Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital do Santo Espírito da Ilha Terceira, Ilha Terceira, Portugal
  • Manuela Mendes
    Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Pedro Hispano, ULSM, Matosinhos, Portugal
  • Fátima Hierro
    Department of Neuroradiology, Hospital Pedro Hispano, ULSM, Matosinhos, Portugal
  • Sara Duarte
    Department of Neurology, Hospital Pedro Hispano, ULSM, Matosinhos, Portugal

Keywords

Central nervous system lymphoma, cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, thromboembolism, hypercoagulability, refractory neoplasm

Abstract

Central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma is a rare and aggressive primary neoplasm that comprises a small proportion of brain tumours and non-Hodgkin lymphomas. We present a case report of a 64-year-old woman with CNS lymphoma, who exhibited cognitive changes, weight loss and neurological symptoms. Imaging scans revealed multiple lesions in the brain and thrombosis in the venous sinuses. A diagnosis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of the CNS was confirmed through histological examination. The patient underwent treatment with corticosteroids and chemotherapy, but experienced clinical deterioration with thrombocytopenia and disease progression. Despite efforts to manage complications and provide targeted therapy, the patient passed away. Primary CNS lymphoma typically responds well to chemotherapy, and prognostic factors such as age and functional status play a significant role in patient outcomes. However, complications such as thromboembolism pose challenges during treatment due to the hypercoagulable state induced by chemotherapy agents. The pathophysiology of thromboembolic events in the context of malignancy remains uncertain but may involve direct tumour compression, vascular invasion and alterations in coagulation factors. The diagnostic process for CNS lymphoma can be complex, and the information obtained from cerebrospinal fluid analysis, including flow cytometry, may be limited in cases with low cell counts. Ongoing research exploring genetic tests and biomarkers shows promise for improving diagnostic accuracy in such cases. This case underscores the need for comprehensive management strategies that address both the neoplasm and its associated complications, to optimise patient outcomes.

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    Published: 2023-07-28
    Issue: 2023: Vol 10 No 8 (view)

    How to cite:
    1.
    Medeiros T, Sequeira S, Mendes M, Hierro F, Duarte S. Primary central nervous system lymphoma complicated by cerebral venous sinus thrombosis: a case report. EJCRIM 2023;10 doi:10.12890/2023_003994.

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