Tumefactive demyelination: clinical, imaging and follow-up observations in thirty-nine patients

Clinical and radiological characteristics and outcomes of patients with recurrent or relapsing tumefactive demyelination

BACKGROUND

Relapsing or recurrent tumefactive demyelination is rare and has not been studied beyond individual case reports.

OBJECTIVE

We examined the clinical course, neuroimaging, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), treatment and outcomes of patients with recurrent tumefactive demyelinating lesions (TDLs).

METHODS

We used PubMed to identify reports of recurrent TDLs and included the details of an additional, unpublished patient.

RESULTS

We identified 18 cases (11F, 7 M). The median age at onset of the index TDL was 37 years (range 12-72) and most were solitary lesions 72 % (13/18). CSF-restricted oligoclonal bands (OCBs) were detected in 25 % (4/16). Only one of those tested (n = 13) was positive for AQP4-IgG. A moderate-to-marked treatment response (high dose corticosteroid with or without additional plasmapheresis, IVIg or disease modifying therapies) was evident in 89 % of treated patients. Median EDSS at the median follow-up of 36 months (range 6-144) was 2 (range 1-10). Most remained ambulatory (EDSS < 4 in 13/18), but 1 patient died.

CONCLUSION

The median age of patients with relapsing TDLs is similar to that of typical MS, but differences include a lower female:male sex ratio, larger lesions, and a comparative lack of CSF-restricted OCBs. Outcomes vary among this group of patients ranging from minimal disability through to death.

Tumefactive demyelination: updated perspectives on diagnosis and management

INTRODUCTION

Tumefactive demyelination (TD) can be a challenging scenario for clinicians due to difficulties distinguishing it from other conditions, such as neoplasm or infection; or with managing the consequences of acute lesions, and then deciding upon the most appropriate longer term treatment strategy.

AREAS COVERED

The authors review the literature regarding TD covering its clinic-radiological features, association with multiple sclerosis (MS), and its differential diagnosis with other neuroinflammatory and non-inflammatory mimicking disorders with an emphasis on atypical forms of demyelination including acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), MOG antibody-associated demyelination (MOGAD) and neuromyelitis spectrum disorders (NMOSD). We also review the latest in the acute and long-term treatment of TD.

EXPERT OPINION

It is important that the underlying cause of TD be determined whenever possible to guide the management approach which differs between different demyelinating and other inflammatory conditions. Improved neuroimaging and advances in serum and CSF biomarkers should one day allow early and accurate diagnosis of TD leading to better outcomes for patients.

Clinico-radiologic features and therapeutic strategies in tumefactive demyelination: a retrospective analysis of 50 consecutive cases

Aims

Our goal was to expand the spectrum of clinico-radiologic characteristics and the possible therapeutic choices in patients with tumefactive demyelinating lesions (TDLs).

Methods

A retrospective analysis of 50 patients with at least one TDL was performed at an academic neurology center (2008-2020).

Results

Our cohort comprised mostly women (33/50) with a mean age of 38 years at TDL onset. The mean follow-up time was 76 months. The mean Expanded Disability Status Scale score at TDL onset and at the latest neurological evaluation was 3.7 and 2.3, respectively. We subcategorized the patients into seven groups based mainly on the clinical/radiological findings and disease course. Group A included patients presenting with a Marburg-like TDL (n = 4). Groups B and C comprised patients presenting with monophasic (n = 7) and recurrent TDLs (n = 12), respectively. Multiple sclerosis (MS) patients who subsequently developed TDL (n = 16) during the disease course were categorized as Group D. Group E comprised patients who initially presented with TDL and subsequently developed a classical relapsing-remitting MS without further evidence of TDL (n = 5). Groups F (n = 2) and G (n = 4) involved MS patients who developed TDL during drug initiation (natalizumab, fingolimod) and cessation (interferon, fingolimod), respectively. Regarding long-term treatments applied after corticosteroid administration in the acute phase, B-cell-directed therapies were shown to be highly effective especially in cases with recurrent TDLs. Cyclophosphamide was spared for more aggressive disease indicated by a poor response to corticosteroids and plasma exchange failure.

Conclusion

Tumefactive central nervous system demyelination is an heterogenous disease; its stratification into distinct groups according to different phenotypes can establish more efficient treatment strategies, thus improving clinical outcomes in the future.

Cyclophosphamide in treatment of tumefactive multiple sclerosis

OBJECTIVE

. To review the Mayo clinic experience of cyclophosphamide in the treatment of tumefactive Multiple Sclerosis (TMS).

METHODS

. Retrospective chart review was performed to identify patients with TMS who did not respond to corticosteroid and plasma exchange and were treated with cyclophosphamide. Demographic, clinical, treatment, and outcome parameters were collected.

RESULTS

. We identified 12 patients with TMS who were treated with cyclophosphamide. Median follow-up was 17 (range 1-72) months after cyclophosphamide administration. The tumefactive attack was the first clinical symptom in 5/12 patients. The median age at index attack onset was 36 (range 22-57). The median age at the first demyelinating attack was 29.3 (range 20-55). The most common clinical presentation at the index attack was the visual disturbance, followed by motor symptoms. The index attack was accompanied by headache in 5/12 patients. Median attack related Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score was 6 (range 3-9.5), which improved to 5.25 (range 1-10) after treatment with cyclophosphamide. All patients were treated with corticosteroids and plasma exchange prior to treatment with cyclophosphamide. EDSS score improved in 8/12 patients and targeted neurological deficits improved to a moderate or marked degree in 9/12 patients after cyclophosphamide administration. The number of gadolinium enhancing lesions decreased in 10/12 and 8/12 patients had lack of disease activity (no new T2 or GAD lesions) in a median (range) time of 11 months (1-16) after the last dose of cyclophosphamide.

CONCLUSION

. Cyclophosphamide could be an effective option for the treatment of TMS, refractory to corticosteroids and plasmapheresis, and is associated with improvement of clinical and radiological disease activity.

Pseudotumoral demyelinating lesions: diagnostic approach and long-term outcome

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To review the clinical findings, differential diagnosis, treatment and outcome of pseudotumoral demyelinating lesions including tumefactive demyelination and Baló's concentric sclerosis.

RECENT FINDINGS

MRI findings, such as dynamic restricted diffusion changes at the edge of pseudotumoral lesions help to discriminate atypical demyelination from key differential diagnoses, and together with histopathological data, indicate that tissue hypoxia may be important aetiologically. CT-PET imaging can help to distinguish pseudotumoral lesions from high-grade tumours. Although most patients with pseudotumoral lesions have or later develop multiple sclerosis, a proportion will experience a monophasic course or be diagnosed with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD), myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) antibody-associated demyelination or acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM). Many patients with pseudotumoral demyelinating lesions have a favourable prognosis.

SUMMARY

Not all patients with pseudotumoral lesions require a brain biopsy but close follow-up of biopsied and nonbiopsied lesions is indicated once a diagnosis is established. Testing for AQP4-IgG and MOG-IgG is recommended when a pseudotumoral demyelinating lesion is identified. In the absence of large, prospective studies, it seems reasonable that patients with pseudotumoral lesions who fulfil multiple sclerosis diagnostic criteria are treated with multiple sclerosis therapies.

Tumefactive Demyelination Associated with Bilateral Optic Neuritis in Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders

Tumefactive demyelination is an uncommon neurological disorder mimicking tumors. It is one of the rare varieties of demyelinating disorders, often causing diagnostic dilemma among neuroscientists. The literature tells us about approaching these patients added by peculiar neuroimaging findings. Neuromyelitis optica is an immune mediated inflammatory clinical disorder, typically involving optic nerves bilaterally and longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis. With the revelation of aquaporin four channels, its distribution in the brain and related antibody, the concept of neuromyelitis optica spectra disorders has been evolved. In this case report, our intention is to present a young female who presented with bilateral vision loss with tumor-like mass lesion in cerebral cortex. Such an association of bilateral optic neuropathy involving chiasmatic region, suggestive of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) with tumefactive demyelination is rarely reported in the literature.

Tumefactive demyelination: Clinical outcomes, lesion evolution and treatments

Objective

Large demyelinating lesions with possible mass effect (tumefactive multiple sclerosis or tumefactive demyelination) can be mistaken for tumour-like space-occupying lesions suggesting a malignant outcome.

Methods

We reviewed our own experience of multiple sclerosis subjects (n = 28) with tumefactive demyelination to determine the relationship between clinical outcomes and lesion evolution, clinical outcomes and their relationship to different therapies. Patients with central nervous system demyelinating disease were identified from our database over the last 10 years.

Results

No patient increased in extended disability status scale (EDSS). Overall, lesion regression was associated with improved EDSS. Lesion regression was also associated with therapy versus no therapy. No specific therapy or corticosteroid infusions improved EDSS over the long term. The absence of enhancement on follow up on magnetic resonance imaging portended lesion regression.

Conclusion

Tumefactive demyelination may predict a more benign overall course and is susceptible to traditional immunomodulatory treatments.

The Role of Neurosurgery in the Treatment of Intracranial Tumor-Like Inflammatory Lesions

BACKGROUND

Different inflammatory diseases can manifest as intracranial lesions. They may be indistinguishable from intracranial neoplasms in the clinical setting, imaging studies, or laboratory studies. The value of surgery in the diagnosis and the treatment of such lesions is still unclear.

METHODS

A total of 3066 reports of histopathologic examinations over a 10-year period were reviewed. Forty patients with an inflammatory intracranial lesion were identified. Clinical, radiologic, and follow-up data were analyzed and the diagnostic and therapeutic value of surgery was assessed.

RESULTS

We identified 24 women and 16 men (mean age, 47 years). The diameter of the lesion varied between 1 and 5.5 cm (mean, 2.6 cm). The location of the inflammatory lesion was intracerebral supratentorial (n = 18, 45%), intrasellar/suprasellar (n = 5, 12.5%), cerebellar (n = 5, 12.5%), in the brainstem (n = 4, 10%), in the cerebellopontine angle (n = 3, 7.5%), meningeal (n = 3, 7.5%), and at other locations (n = 6, 15%). Seventeen patients underwent surgical removal of the mass lesion, whereas in 23 patients a biopsy was taken. The lesions were classified into 7 groups: specific (infectious) granuloma (n = 10, 25%), unspecific granuloma (n = 7, 17.5%), idiopathic inflammatory pseudotumor (n = 5, 12.5%), demyelinating lesions (n = 5, 12.5%) encapsulated hematoma (n = 4, 10%), organized cerebral infarction (n = 3, 7.5%), and vasculitis (n = 4, 10%). Surgery was judged as valuable in 35 patients (87.5%).

CONCLUSIONS

The differential diagnosis of intracranial inflammatory lesions involves a wide spectrum. Surgery has a diagnostic and/or therapeutic value in most entities and clinical circumstances. However, attention must be taken to avoid surgery without a therapeutic or diagnostic value for the patient.

Pediatric multiple sclerosis and fulminant disease course: Features and approaches to treatment - A case report and review of the literature

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the autoimmune, neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system (CNS). Typically, it affects the young adult population, however, up to 10% of the cases, it can develop in childhood. Atypical manifestations, such as the tumefactive variant (tMS) or acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), especially coupled with fulminant disease course, are even more rare and pose a considerable differential diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Recently, the therapeutic strategy on the use of disease modifying therapies (DMTs) in MS has shifted to the direction of a more individualized approach, that takes the personal differences heavily into account, in particular regard to the activity and prognosis of the disease. Despite this change has only been applied to adults yet, it is plausible to predict, that it will soon be applied to pediatric patients as well, particularly, as several randomized studies are under way concerning DMTs in pediatric populations. To our best knowledge, we are the first to report a successful natalizumab treatment of pediatric fulminant tMS, in case of a 13.5 years old girl. We feel that this report demonstrates the need of early and adequate treatment in such an aggressive case, because it can reverse the course of a possibly fatal disease.

Tumefactive demyelinating lesions of 15 patients: Clinico-radiological features, management and review of the literature

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Tumefactive demyelinating lesions (TDLs) are large inflammatory lesions that can mimic tumors or other space-occupying lesions. Differential diagnosis and management of these lesions remain challenging for neurologists. We aim to review the clinico-radiological features of patients with TDLs, as well as their management.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of cases of TDLs treated in our center from January 2010 to February 2017. We reviewed the literature.

RESULTS

Out of 711 patients, we found 15 with TDLs (12 women and 3 men), with a mean age of TDL onset of 36years. Out of the 15 patients, 9 had TDLs as a first demyelinating event and 44% (4/15) of these converted to MS by McDonald 2010 criteria in a mean time of 8months (SD 3.10). Clinical presentation was polysymptomatic and the most common radiological findings included solitary lesions (66.66%), located primarily in the frontal (40%) or parietal (33%) lobes, showing mostly an infiltrative morphological pattern (50%) and an open-ring enhancement (43%). Multiple Sclerosis was the most common diagnosis (67%, 10/15). Acute treatment included steroids, plasmapheresis, rituximab and cyclophosphamide.

CONCLUSIONS

Prevalence of tumefactive demyelination in MS was higher than expected in MS patients, according to literature. Time to conversion to MS was significantly shorter than other published series. Clinical presentation was polysymptomatic and the most common radiological findings were isolated frontal lesions with an open-ring enhancement.

Clinical and imaging correlation in patients with pathologically confirmed tumefactive demyelinating lesions

OBJECTIVES

To characterize clinical and imaging features in patients with pathologically confirmed demyelinating lesions.

METHODS

In this retrospective chart review, we analyzed clinical-radiological-pathological correlations in patients >15years old who underwent brain biopsy at our institution between 2000 and 2015 and had inflammatory demyelination on neuropathology.

RESULTS

Of 31 patients, the mean age was 42years (range 16 to 69years) and 55% were female. All but one of the biopsied lesions were considered tumefactive demyelinating lesions (TDLs) by imaging criteria, measuring >2cm on contrast-enhanced brain MRI. On clinical follow-up, the final diagnosis was a CNS malignancy in 2 patients (6.5%). In patients without malignant tumor, the TDL was solitary in 12 (41%) and multifocal in 17 (59%), with contrast enhancement in all but one case, primarily in an incomplete rim enhancement pattern (75.9%). Of 16 patients with at least 12months of clinical follow-up, 7 (43.8%) had a clinical relapse. Of patients without a prior neurologic history, relapse occurred in 2/7 (29%) in solitary TDL and 2/6 (33%) in multifocal lesions at initial presentation. Recurrent TDLs occurred in 3 patients, all with initially solitary TDLs. Stratifying by CSF analysis, 4 of 6 patients (67%) with either an elevated IgG Index or >2 oligoclonal bands suffered a clinical relapse compared to 2/8 (25%) with non-inflammatory CSF.

CONCLUSIONS

Pathologically confirmed TDLs call for careful clinical correlation, clinical follow-up and imaging surveillance. Although sometimes clinically monophasic, tumefactive demyelinating lesions carried nearly a 45% risk of near-term clinical relapse in our study, even when presenting initially as a solitary mass lesion.

Contralateral recurrence of tumefactive demyelination

Tumefactive demyelination refers to large focal demyelinating lesions in the brain, which can be mistaken for malignancy. In some patients, these lesions are monophasic with a self-limited course; however, other patients demonstrate recurrent disease with new tumefactive or non-tumefactive lesions, and a subsequent diagnosis of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis is not uncommon. Owing to the limited data available in the literature, many questions about the patterns and prognostic significance of recurrent tumefactive lesions remain unanswered. The current case report involves a patient who recovered from tumefactive demyelination and presented two years later with a new recurrent tumefactive lesion in the contralateral brain.

Atypical idiopathic inflammatory demyelinating lesions: prognostic implications and relation to multiple sclerosis

Atypical lesions of a presumably idiopathic inflammatory demyelinating origin present quite variably and may pose diagnostic problems. The subsequent clinical course is also uncertain. We, therefore, wanted to clarify if atypical idiopathic inflammatory demyelinating lesions (AIIDLs) can be classified according to previously suggested radiologic characteristics and how this classification relates to prognosis. Searching the databases of eight tertiary referral centres we identified 90 adult patients (61 women, 29 men; mean age 34 years) with ≥ 1 AIIDL. We collected their demographic, clinical and magnetic resonance imaging data and obtained follow-up (FU) information on 77 of these patients over a mean duration of 4 years. The AIIDLs presented as a single lesion in 72 (80 %) patients and exhibited an infiltrative (n = 35), megacystic (n = 16), Baló (n = 10) or ring-like (n = 16) lesion appearance in 77 (86 %) patients. Additional multiple sclerosis (MS)-typical lesions existed in 48 (53 %) patients. During FU, a further clinical attack occurred rarely (23-35 % of patients) except for patients with ring-like AIIDLs (62 %). Further attacks were also significantly more often in patients with coexisting MS-typical lesions (41 vs. 10 %, p < 0.005). New AIIDLs developed in six (7 %), and new MS-typical lesions in 29 (42 %) patients. Our findings confirm the previously reported subtypes of AIIDLs. Most types confer a relatively low risk of further clinical attacks, except for ring-like lesions and the combination with MS-typical lesions.