Role of preoperative imaging in the diagnosis of primary diffuse craniospinal leptomeningeal gliomatosis.

ABSTRACT

We present an unusual case of primary diffuse craniospinal leptomeningeal gliomatosis (PGDL), who was initially diagnosed on the basis of imaging, laboratory findings, and cranial meningeal biopsy as tuberculous meningitis and showed clinical deterioration while on anti-tuberculous treatment for 2 months. The patient was subsequently correctly diagnosed on diffusion weighted and post-contrast T1-weighted imaging of the craniospinal axis along with whole body imaging. The radiological findings were confirmed on histopathology and immunohistochemistry performed from the previous block as well as biopsy from the nodular mass in the lumbosacral meninges. We conclude that peroperative imaging may help in pinpointing the correct diagnosis and assist in guiding the surgeon to the site of biopsy.