Primary neurolymphomatosis diagnosis and treatment: a retrospective study

Abstract

Background: To discuss the therapeutic approach for primary neurolymphomatosis.

Methods: We report all primary neurolymphomatosis cases referred to our institution, with descriptions of clinical, radiological, electrophysiological, histological features and long-term follow-up. We treated all patients with a combination of high-dose methotrexate and alkylating agents.

Results: Five patients were diagnosed with histologically confirmed primary neurolymphomatosis. The majority of them presented with painful asymmetric sensory-motor neuropathy. Magnetic resonance imaging was abnormal in 4 of 5 patients, as shown with gadolinium enhancements. Electroneuromyography revealed denervation in all 4 cases with contributive examinations. All our patients received a chemotherapy combination of high-dose methotrexate and alkylating agent. Median progression-free survival was 8 months (2 complete responses and 2 partial responses), and overall survival was 24 months.

Conclusions: Primary neurolymphomatosis is rare and polymorphic; it represents a difficult diagnosis of neuropathy. In our cohort, treatment with a chemotherapy combination with high-dose methotrexate showed encouraging results.

Keywords: Chemotherapy; Electroneuromyography; Lymphoma; MRI; Neurolymphomatosis; Peripheral nervous system.