Brainstem tuberculoma is diagnostically challenging as it lacks clinical clues and imaging mimics a high-grade glioma (HGG). We report the case of an adolescent girl diagnosed with brainstem HGG, who was referred to our centre for Gamma Knife. Initial MRI showed a pontomedullary junction, ring-enhancing lobulated lesion demonstrating distinct central hypointensity on T2-weighted (T2W) and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) images with extensive vasogenic oedema. An alternative diagnosis of infection was entertained, and biopsy was suggested; however, the parents opted for a trial of alternative treatment. Suboccipital craniotomy and debulking were only performed 3 months later when her symptoms worsened, and MRI revealed enlargement of the lesion. A cheesy ‘tumour’ was noted intraoperatively; histopathological findings later confirmed chronic granulomatous inflammation. In an endemic area, a high index of suspicion of a tuberculoma is vital specifically in the presence of central T2W/FLAIR hypointensity of a ring-enhancing lesion.
Pituitary metastasis (PM) is a rare complication of an advanced malignancy. Albeit rare, PM can be more detected and achieve a longer survival rate through frequent neuroimaging and newer oncology therapies. Lung cancer is the most frequent primary site, followed by breast and kidney cancers. Patients with lung cancer generally present with respiratory symptoms, and are commonly diagnosed at an advanced stage already. Nevertheless, physicians should be mindful of other systemic manifestations as well as signs and symptoms related to metastatic spread and paraneoplastic syndromes. Herein, we report the case of a 53-year-old woman who presented with PM as the first sign of an undiagnosed lung cancer. Initially, her condition was a challenging diagnosis and was even complicated with diabetes insipidus (DI), which can present as severe hyponatremia when coexisting with adrenal insufficiency. This case also highlights that treating DI with antidiuretic hormone replacement was complicated by extreme difficulties in attaining satisfactory sodium and water balance during the clinical course, with the possibility of coexistent DI and syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion because of the underlying lung cancer.
Background Intracranial calcification is a common finding on brain imaging which can be non-specific. The calcification can be physiological or pathological. Likewise, subcortical calcification is a non-specific finding on non-contrast-enhanced computed tomography. This could be secondary to multiple underlying diseases such as Sturge-Weber syndrome, tuberous sclerosis, Fahr disease, post-chemoradiotherapy change, and metabolic disorders secondary to parathyroid or thyroid gland abnormalities. On the other hand, subcortical calcification secondary to arteriovenous malformation and dural venous fistula are uncommon findings. We report two cases with subcortical calcification secondary to these vascular malformations. We aim to highlight the importance of recognising subcortical calcification as one of the possible imaging appearances of dural venous fistula and arteriovenous malformation. Case presentation We report two cases, whom were a 45-year-old lady and a 20-year-old man, with subcortical calcification on non-contrast-enhanced computed tomography, which were later confirmed to be secondary to chronic venous congestion as the results of dural venous fistula and arteriovenous malformation, respectively. Both patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and digital substraction angiography to confirm the diagnosis. Subsequently, both patients were offered embolisation with the 45-year-old lady opting for conservative management and the 20-year-old man waiting for the procedure, at the time of writing. Conclusion Venous congestion secondary to intracranial vascular malformation is an important differential diagnosis for extensive subcortical and basal ganglia calcification. Knowledge on the possibility of vascular malformation to present with subcortical calcification is crucial to avoid misdiagnosis and mismanagement of the patients.
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