Neuroleukemiosis: case report of leukemic nerve infiltration in acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Painless progressive mononeuritis multiplex secondary to AML associated neuroleukemiosis

Neuroleukemiosis describes peripheral nerve involvement secondary to leukemic infiltration, a rare complication of leukemia with various clinical presentations, leading to diagnostic challenges for hematologists and neurologists. We present two cases of painless progressive mononeuritis multiplex secondary to neuroleukemiosis. A literature review of previously reported cases of neuroleukemiosis was undertaken. Neuroleukemiosis may present as a progressive mononeuritis multiplex. The diagnosis of neuroleukemiosis requires a high index of suspicion and be aided by repeated CSF analysis.

Multifocal Extramedullary Relapse With Neuroleukemiosis in a Case of Early T-Cell Precursor ALL: 18F-FDG PET/CT Findings

ABSTRACT

Early T-cell precursor ALL (acute lymphoblastic leukemia) is a rare type of childhood and adult T-cell ALL. Disease recurrence is common within 2 years from the time of initial diagnosis. Outcomes of relapse have been characterized through risk stratification schemes, and one of the major determinants of overall survival is the overall tumor burden and sites of relapse. Although testicular recurrence is common; Peripheral nerve as a site of recurrence is relatively rare. We present a case of early T-cell ALL on maintenance therapy with multifocal relapse on FDG PET/CT in the cervical lymph nodes, the testis, and the left sciatic nerve. Bone marrow and flow cytometry confirmed the relapse.

Neoplastic nerve lesions

Though metastasis and malignant infiltration of the peripheral nervous system is relatively rare, physicians should have a familiarity with their presentations to allow for prompt diagnosis and initiation of treatment. This article will review the clinical presentations, diagnostic evaluation, and treatment of neoplastic involvement of the cranial nerves, nerve roots, peripheral nerves, and muscle. Due to the proximity of the neural structure traversing the skull base, metastasis to this region results in distinctive syndromes, most often associated with breast, lung, and prostate cancer. Metastatic involvement of the nerve roots is uncommon, apart from leptomeningeal carcinomatosis and bony metastasis with resultant nerve root damage, and is characterized by significant pain, weakness, and numbness of an extremity. Neoplasms may metastasize or infiltrate the brachial and lumbosacral plexuses resulting in progressive and painful sensory and motor deficits. Differentiating neoplastic involvement from radiation-induced injury is of paramount importance as it dictates treatment and prognosis. Neurolymphomatosis, due to malignant lymphocytic infiltration of the cranial nerves, nerve roots, plexuses, and peripheral nerves, deserves special attention given its myriad presentations, often mimicking acquired demyelinating neuropathies.

Nerve biopsy in acquired neuropathies

A diagnosis of neuropathy can typically be determined through clinical assessment and focused investigation. With technological advances, including significant progress in genomics, the role of nerve biopsy has receded over recent years. However, making a specific and, in some cases, tissue-based diagnosis is essential across a wide array of potentially treatable acquired peripheral neuropathies. When laboratory investigations do not suggest a definitive diagnosis, nerve biopsy remains the final step to ascertain the etiology of the disease. The present review highlights the utility of nerve biopsy in confirming a diagnosis, while further illustrating the importance of a tissue-based diagnosis in relation to treatment strategies, particularly when linked to long-term immunosuppressive therapies.

Neurolymphomatosis of the median nerve, optic nerve, L4 spinal nerve root and cauda equina in patients with B-cell malignancies: a case series

BACKGROUND

Neurolymphomatosis is rare. Neoplastic lymphocytes are seen to invade nerves (cranial or peripheral), nerve roots or other related structures in patients with hematological malignancy. It is a separate entity from central nervous system lymphoma. Neurolymphomatosis has most commonly been described in association with B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Neurolymphomatosis in the context of Burkitt lymphoma and the post-renal transplant setting has not been described before.

CASE REPORTS

We report for the first time in the Arabian Gulf countries and nearby Arab states four cases of neurolymphomatosis (one Asian, and the other 3 are from Arabic nationals) occurring between 2012 and 2017 involving the median nerve, optic nerve, nerve root and cauda equina in patients with Burkitt lymphoma, Philadelphia chromosome-positive B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

CONCLUSIONS

Neurolymphomatosis is rare and can be difficult to diagnose by biopsy but reliably confirmed by a combined imaging approach. Prior treatment with high-dose dexamethasone might suppress 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) activity and decrease the sensitivity of positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT). The prognosis is generally poor but using high-dose methotrexate as well as high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation may be an effective way to treat neurolymphomatosis.

Brachial plexus chloroma as a presenting feature of relapse in a child with KMT2A-rearranged acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a case report

Approximately 30–40% of relapses in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) are extra-medullary. KMT2A gene rearrangements are common in patients with infantile ALL. Chloromas are rare tumors composed of collections of acute leukemic cells that typically involve the bone or skin. Exceptionally uncommon, chloromas invade the peripheral nervous system, a phenomenon termed “neuroleukemiosis.” We describe A 6-year-old girl with a history of pre-B ALL with CNS involvement and KMT2A rearrangement diagnosed initially at 4 months of age. During continuation therapy she developed a scalp mass that was confirmed to be a leukemic relapse. She underwent re-induction chemotherapy followed by blinatumomab with subsequent remission and proceeded to allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT). Three years following HCT, she presented with brachial plexus palsy and was found to have a lymphoblastic chloroma invading the brachial plexus. Review of existing literature shows relapse in pediatric ALL patients presenting as brachial plexus chloroma has only been documented once before. It has long been suggested that KMT2A gene rearrangements play a role in development of chloromas in patients with AML, however it is still unclear what role KMT2A has in ALL. Here we report a rare case of ALL relapse that presented as a left arm palsy secondary to a leukemic chloroma invading the brachial plexus and aim to explore the potential role of KMT2A in the formation of ALL chloromas.

Do not forget the brachial plexus-prevalence of distal brachial plexus pathology on routine shoulder MRI

OBJECTIVES

Most of the shoulder magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination focuses on internal joint structures but disregarding other structures like the distal brachial plexus, which may miss important findings. Hereby, we attempt to evaluate the prevalence of distal brachial plexus abnormalities and/or muscular denervation changes seen on routine shoulder MRI examinations and discuss common pathologies affecting the distal brachial plexus.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 701 routine shoulder MRI studies were evaluated. The evaluation of each exam was focused on the visualized brachial plexus elements and musculature abnormalities in each case. If any abnormalities of plexus and/or musculature were found, potential underlying etiologies such as paralabral or spinoglenoid notch cysts, infiltrative/primary masses on imaging, history of prior viral illness, and radiation therapy were searched. It was then confirmed whether the abnormal findings were mentioned in the exam reports or not.

RESULTS

Thirty-four cases (4.85%) demonstrated abnormal findings of the visualized brachial plexus cords or branches and/or musculature. It was observed that in 35.3% of exam reports these findings were not mentioned, mainly missing subtle nerve abnormalities, but correctly reporting and interpreting the encountered muscle abnormalities.

CONCLUSION

The distal brachial plexus and its branches should be included in the search pattern for shoulder MRI examinations.

KEY POINTS

• Normal T2 signal of the brachial plexus is iso- to slightly hyperintense to muscle but less signal intense than fluid. • Diffuse, geographic muscle edema is an indirect sign of brachial plexus pathology. • Increased T2-weighted nerve signal with or without caliber or course change should be reported and followed up to find the underlying etiology.

Clinical usefulness of ultrasound as an early diagnostic tool for neuroleukemiosis -a case report

Background

Neuroleukemiosis is a rare complication of leukemia. The diagnosis may be delayed owing to non-specific symptoms and the need for special diagnostic modalities.

Case

A 70-year-old man in his sixth year of remission from acute myeloid leukemia was referred to the pain clinic for shooting and radiating pain in the left posterior leg. A lumbar spine magnetic resonance imaging showed mild disc bulging of the L2-3, which was insufficient to explain the patient’s symptoms. With insufficient pain response to lumbar epidural block and piriformis injection, we examined both sciatic nerves using an ultrasound and identified an enlarged hypoechoic mass on the left sciatic nerve at mid-thigh level. After that, we biopsied the mass under general anesthesia, and histology confirmed it to be neuroleukemiosis.

Conclusions

Ultrasound is an inexpensive, non-invasive, simple, and quick diagnostic modality that can be used as a screening tool in the diagnosis of neuroleukemiosis.

Neuroleukemiosis: Diagnosis and management

An exceedingly rare manifestation of leukemia, termed neuroleukemiosis, involves peripheral nerve infiltration by leukemic cells. Patients with neuroleukemiosis typically present with a peripheral neuropathy and/or chloromatous masses. The diagnosis is supported by, and established with, electrophysiologic testing, imaging, histopathology, and immunophenotyping. We present the case of 21 year old male with multiply relapsed M4 type of acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) who presented with extremity pain and was subsequently found to have multiple cervical, thoracic, and lumbosacral nerve root masses. A diagnosis of neuroleukemiosis was established via CT-guided biopsy and immunophenotyping. The patient's neuroleukemiosis responded well to chemotherapy, donor lymphocyte infusions, and spinal irradiation. The literature is reviewed regarding this interesting and rare clinical condition.

Homonymous Hemianopia: A Rare Presentation of Secondary Central Nervous System Neurolymphomatosis

Neurolymphomatosis is an atypical complication of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and leukaemia involving infiltration of neurotropic neoplastic cells in the central or peripheral nervous system. A 28-year-old Malay lady with background diffuse large B-cell lymphoma stage IV presented with left homonymous hemianopia associated with cognitive function deterioration. Her best corrected visual acuity was 6/9 in both eyes. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain showed a lesion suggestive of secondary lymphomatous infiltration of the splenium of corpus callosum. The patient underwent chemotherapy, after which repeated MRI showed a reduction in the lesion size. Homonymous hemianopia is a rare presentation of secondary central nervous system neurolymphomatosis. A comprehensive history, physical examination, and radiological imaging are essential to establish the diagnosis in patients presenting with visual field defects.

Plexus and peripheral nerve metastasis

Cancer in the form of solid tumors, leukemia, and lymphoma can infiltrate and metastasize to the peripheral nervous system, including the cranial nerves, nerve roots, cervical, brachial and lumbosacral plexuses, and, rarely, the peripheral nerves. This review discusses the presentation, diagnostic evaluation, and treatment options for metastatic lesions to these components of the peripheral nervous system and is organized based on the anatomic distribution. As skull base metastases (also discussed in Chapter 14) result in cranial neuropathies, these will be covered in detail, as well as cancers that directly infiltrate the cranial nerves. Particular emphasis is placed on the clinical, imaging, and electrodiagnostic features that differentiate neoplastic plexopathies from radiation-induced plexopathies. Neurolymphomatosis, in which malignant lymphocytes invade the cranial nerves, nerve roots, brachial and lumbosacral plexuses, and peripheral nerves, is a rare manifestation of lymphoma and leukemia. Diagnoses of neurolymphomatosis are often missed or delayed given its varied presentations, resulting in poorer outcomes. Thus this disease will also be discussed in depth.

Neuroleukemiosis: Two Case Reports

Extramedullary tumors composed of myeloblasts or monoblasts can present in various locations. Patients with a history of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) can present with neuropathic pain and no evidence of relapse of their leukemia. Neuroleukemiosis is a form of extramedullary tumor present in the peripheral nervous systems (PNS) of leukemia patients. We report two AML patients who were in remission and later presented with neurological symptoms due to neuroleukemiosis with negative bone marrow biopsies.

Diagnosing neuroleukemiosis: Is there a role for 18F-FDG-PET/CT?

An imaging case is presented on a patient referred to our department for an ¹⁸F-FDG-PET/CT, as a paraneoplastic syndrome was suspected due to his clinical situation. He had a history of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) treated two years earlier, with sustained complete remission to date. ¹⁸F-FDG-PET/CT findings revealed hypermetabolism in almost all nerve roots, suggesting meningeal spread, consistent with the subsequent MRI findings. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) findings confirmed a leptomeningeal reactivation of AML. Although not many studies have evaluated the role of ¹⁸F-FDG-PET/CT in leukemia, it is a noninvasive tool for detecting extramedullary sites of disease and a good imaging alternative for those patients on whom an MRI cannot be performed.

Diagnostic and response assessment FDG PET-CT in neurolymphomatosis

FDG PET-CT is a useful imaging tool in the diagnosis and response assessment of neurolymphomatosis, especially in cases of otherwise unexplained neuropathy following conventional diagnostic work-up including lumbar puncture, CT, and MRI. The use of a novel PET reconstruction algorithm improves image quality and lesion detection through increased signal-to-noise ratio.

Splenic marginal zone lymphoma: An indolent malignancy leading to the development of neurolymphomatosis

INTRODUCTION

Acute neuropathic pain and weakness with a sensory level in a patient with a history of lymphoma has a broad differential diagnosis. Evaluation of such a presentation often includes MRI, neurophysiologic studies, and cerebrospinal fluid evaluation. We report a patient with splenic marginal zone lymphoma who developed acute weakness, sensory loss, and neuropathic pain due to neurolymphomatosis.

METHODS

Clinical evaluation, MRI of the lumbar spine, cerebrospinal fluid evaluation, electrodiagnostic (EDx) studies, and biopsy of a dorsal nerve root were undertaken.

RESULTS

EDx studies were consistent with an acute, acquired demyelinating sensorimotor polyradiculoneuropathy. Treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin and plasma exchange did not lead to clinical improvement. Ultimately, biopsy of a dorsal nerve root was performed and revealed neurolymphomatosis.

CONCLUSION

This case emphasizes that, when it can be performed safely, biopsy for suspected neurolymphomatosis is imperative for appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Muscle Nerve 55: 440-444, 2017.

Isolated sciatic neuropathy as an initial manifestation of a high grade B-cell lymphoma: A case report and literature review

Sciatic nerve neuropathy due to infiltrating of a high grade B-cell lymphoma is a very rare situation and has not often been reported. We report a case with a previous history of indolent lymphoma who presented with isolated sciatic nerve neuropathy and was found to have diffuse large B cell lymphoma involving the sciatic nerve. Although the current case is not a primary sciatic nerve lymphoma given the systematic involvement shown on MRI and PET/CT scan, the case represents a neurolymphomatosis of the sciatic nerve given the direct invasion of the lymphoma cells into the sciatic nerve. Due to the rarity of this condition, we subsequently reviewed related literatures.

Neuromuscular complications in cancer

Cancer is becoming a treatable and even often curable disease. The neuromuscular system can be affected by direct tumor invasion or metastasis, neuroendocrine, metabolic, dysimmune/inflammatory, infections and toxic as well as paraneoplastic conditions. Due to the nature of cancer treatment, which frequently is based on a DNA damaging mechanism, treatment related toxic side effects are frequent and the correct identification of the causative mechanism is necessary to initiate the proper treatment. The peripheral nervous system is conventionally divided into nerve roots, the proximal nerves and plexus, the peripheral nerves (mono- and polyneuropathies), the site of neuromuscular transmission and muscle. This review is based on the anatomic distribution of the peripheral nervous system, divided into cranial nerves (CN), motor neuron (MND), nerve roots, plexus, peripheral nerve, the neuromuscular junction and muscle. The various etiologies of neuromuscular complications - neoplastic, surgical and mechanic, toxic, metabolic, endocrine, and paraneoplastic/immune - are discussed separately for each part of the peripheral nervous system.

18 FDG-PET/CT: 21st century approach to leukemic tumors in 124 cases

Extramedullary tumors remain an obstacle to curing more acute leukemia patients. Their incidence is unknown because the presence of occult tumors that contribute to relapse is not routinely sought as in other cancers. No standard approach exists for treating tumors at most sites, apparent clinical response is typically followed by further tumors, and achievement of lengthy remission is uncommon. Body scanning with (18) FDG PET/CT now provides a means to identify the extent of occult tumors that enables directed tumor eradication and a way to evaluate tumor response. To evaluate its potential benefits, analysis was undertaken of 124 published cases scanned after apparent tumors were diagnosed. Clinical and radiologic exams underestimated extent of disease in over half of 100 cases. Among 70 cases that reported scans after various treatments, 70% achieved negative scans. Half relapsed subsequently but disease-free survivals up to 6 years were documented. These reported cases add to our knowledge of extramedullary leukemia in showing that further tumors are more likely than marrow relapse, clinical and radiologic evaluation of response is inadequate, intensive chemotherapy alone generally does not prevent progression and is associated with significant mortality, and tumor-directed plus systemic therapies appears the most effective approach, particularly to AML tumors. This analysis suggests this technology could increase our ability to eradicate all foci of leukemia, and identify tumors responsible for refractory, residual, and relapsed disease.

The role of 18F-FDG PET/CT in pediatric lymph-node acute lymphoblastic leukemia involvement

In pediatric oncology, positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) is emerging as an essential diagnostic tool in characterizing suspicious neoplastic lesions and staging malignant diseases. Most studies regarding the possible role of FDG-PET/CT in the management of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients are limited to adults. Here we report a pediatric patient with recurrent ALL, in which FDG-PET/CT was used both to define more precisely the cause of lymphadenopathy and to assess the effect of the second-line therapy.

Malignant cell infiltration in the peripheral nervous system

The peripheral nervous system can be affected by malignancies involving different mechanisms. Neoplastic nerve lesion by compression, invasion, and infiltration is rare and occurs in particular in leukemia (neuroleukemiosis) and lymphoma (neurolymphomatosis). Its occurrence is much rarer in cancer, and even less so in sarcoma. The neoplastic infiltration of peripheral nerves by solid tumors is characterized by specific topographical sites such as the base of the skull, the ear, nose and throat region, and the cervico-brachial plexus as well as the lumbar and sacral plexus. Rarely malignant invasion affects the cranial nerves of the face where it can spread centripetally. Autonomic nerves and ganglia can also be affected. The retrograde spread of cancer in nerves is a bad prognostic sign. The clinical diagnosis is determined by tumor type, the pattern of involvement, and often pain.

Pediatric sciatic neuropathy associated with neoplasms

Seven children with sciatic neuropathy associated with an underlying neoplasm are reported. Clinical presentation, electrophysiological data, imaging, pathology, and/or autopsy results are described. Pain and weakness, primarily foot drop, were the most common presenting symptoms. The mechanism of sciatic neuropathy was varied and included: nerve infiltration by the adjacent neoplasm (neuroblastoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, and leukemic or lymphomatous infiltration); an expanding, intrinsic neurogenic tumor (perineurioma); or intraoperative stretch injury (osteosarcoma resection). The prognosis for sciatic nerve recovery was good among children who survived their associated cancer. Three children died from the cancer or complications of treatment. One child with perineurioma remained clinically stable, and two children improved after treatment of their neoplasm.

Neurolymphomatosis: an International Primary CNS Lymphoma Collaborative Group report

Neurolymphomatosis (NL) is a rare clinical entity. The International Primary CNS Lymphoma Collaborative Group retrospectively analyzed 50 patients assembled from 12 centers in 5 countries over a 16-year period. NL was related to non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 90% and to acute leukemia in 10%. It occurred as the initial manifestation of malignancy in 26% of cases. The affected neural structures included peripheral nerves (60%), spinal nerve roots (48%), cranial nerves (46%), and plexus (40%) with multiple site involvement in 58%. Imaging studies often suggested the diagnosis with 77% positive magnetic resonance imaging, and 84% (16 of 19) positive computed tomography-positron emission tomography studies. Cerebrospinal fluid cytology was positive in 40%, and nerve biopsy confirmed the diagnosis in 23 of 26 (88%). Treatment in 47 patients included systemic chemotherapy (70%), intra-cerebrospinal fluid chemotherapy (49%), and radiotherapy (34%). Response to treatment was observed in 46%. The median overall survival was 10 months, with 12- and 36-month survival proportions of 46% and 24%, respectively. NL is a challenging diagnosis, but contemporary imaging techniques frequently detect the relevant neural invasion. An aggressive multimodality therapy can prevent neurologic deterioration and is associated with a prolonged survival in a subset of patients.