[A case of cystic metastatic intracranial amelanotic melanoma--analysis of findings in CT and MRI]

Abstract

A case of cystic intracranial metastatic amelanotic melanoma is presented. As far as we know, cyst formation in intracranial melanoma is rare, and only 15 cases of intracranial amelanotic melanoma have been reported until now. A 63-year-old man was admitted with headache and progressive visual disturbance. CT scan revealed a large low-density mass with ring-like enhancement in the left frontal lobe. Both T 1-and T 2-weighted MRI images revealed hyperintensity. A left frontotemporal craniotomy was performed. A yellowish mass was observed in the frontal lobe. The content of the cyst consisted of old hematoma, xanthochromic fluid and necrotic tissue, was evacuated and the cyst wall was totally resected. No abnormal pigmentation was noted in the cyst wall and surrounding brain tissue. The histological examination revealed amelanotic melanoma. Primary lesion was found on the left thigh later and resected. The patient died of further intracranial metastasis with repeated hemorrhage 5 months after the admission. Both CT and MRI findings of our case is atypical as an intracranial malignant melanoma. However, these are compatible with those of intracerebral hemorrhage in subacute stage. It is suggested that melanoma may make the diagnosis difficult when tumor hemorrhage modifies the images of CT or MRI.