Stroke Mimicking Encephalopathy as an Initial Manifestation of Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma.

Author: Jeong Min KIM ¹ ; Keun Hwa JUNG ; Soon Tae LEE ; Hee Kwon PARK ; Kon CHU ; Jae Kyu ROH
Author Information

1. Department of Neurology, Stroke & Neural Stem Cell Laboratory in the Clinical Research Institute, Stem Cell Research Center, Seoul National Hospital, Seoul, Korea.
Publication Type:Case Report
Keywords: lymphoma; cerebral infarction; paraneoplastic; leukoencephalopathy
MeSH: B-Lymphocytes; Cerebral Infarction; Gait; Humans; Leukoencephalopathies; Lymphoma; Lymphoma, B-Cell; Middle Aged; Stroke
From:Journal of Clinical Neurology 2009;5(2):97-100
CountryRepublic of Korea
Language:English
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Systemic lymphoma can be difficult to recognize due to its diverse manifestations. Paraneoplastic leukoencephalopathy has rarely been reported in the context of lymphoma. CASE REPORT: We report a 45-year-old man with systemic lymphoma whose initial manifestation was sudden-onset leukoencephalopathy, mimicking stroke. This patient, who was eventually diagnosed with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, initially presented with sudden cognitive impairment and gait disturbance. Radiological studies suggested a paraneoplastic leukoencephalopathy. Chemotherapy for lymphoma resulted in clinical and radiological improvement. CONCLUSIONS: The presented case indicates that diffuse large B-cell lymphoma may initially appear as a treatable leukoencephalopathy.