Medknow Publications on behalf of the Association of Radiation Oncologists of India (AROI)
Abstract
Intracranial cystic metastases are difficult to differentiate from non
neoplastic lesions like a cystic abscess on routine magnetic resonance
imaging (MRI) sequences in patients with a known primary cancer.
Diffusion weighted MRI sequences can help in differentiating between
the two. This carries significant implications on the intent and nature
of treatment. We present a case of a forty five-year- old patient of
squamous cell carcinoma of larynx who developed an intracranial cystic
ring enhancing lesion following chemotherapy. Though routine MRI was
equivocal, MR diffusion was highly suggestive of an abscess and this
led to surgical excision which confirmed the diagnosis. We discuss this
case and review the literature regarding the role of newer MRI
sequences and the ramifications on patient treatment