[Cerebral localizations of non-Hodgkin's malignant lymphoma. Contribution of x-ray computed tomography]

Abstract

At the present time, CT scan imaging occupies an essential place in the diagnostic approach and course of cerebral non-Hodgkin's malignant lymphoma. Results of CT scan investigations are reported in 17 patients, 8 with primary and 9 with secondary lymphoma. The lesions observed, hypo-, iso- or faintly hyper-dense, took-up contrast almost constantly in an intense and well limited homogeneous manner. The subependymal infiltration noted was suggestive of the disease particularly since it was often associated with a paraventricular localization in the white substance, corpus callosum or central gray nuclei. However, no correlation existed with the primary or secondary nature or histologic type of lymphoma, and histopathologic confirmation was necessary from surgical biopsy specimen. Appearances of primary and secondary lymphoma are superimposable, apart from certain cases with co-existing secondary lymphoma and bone lysis or a contiguous endocranial tumor. Follow-up CT scan imaging confirms clinical remission, or recurrence raising the problem of radionecrosis.