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Abstract Details

Tumefactive CNS Demyelination in Pregnancy: A Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenge
Autoimmune Neurology
P16 - Poster Session 16 (5:30 PM-6:30 PM)
15-007

We describe an unusual case of rapidly progressive, tumefactive appearing, central nervous system lesions (TACNSL) in a pregnant patient.

TACNSL within the pregnant population are rare and challenging diagnostic occurrences with broad differentials such as: CNS Lymphoma, acute demyelinating encephalomyelitis, atypical reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome (RPLS) and, infectious processes. Diagnostic and therapeutic options for pregnant patients are limited due to concerns for fetal exposure and injury.

Case report and Literature review.

A 25-year-old woman, previously healthy, in her 17th week of pregnancy, presented to a local hospital with acute onset of memory impairment, right upper extremity clumsiness, task apraxia and right-sided neglect. Patient was transferred to a tertiary referral center after non-contrasted brain MRI showed restricted diffusion with FLAIR abnormality in the subcortical left  parieto-occipital area concerning for atypical RPLS versus demyelinating lesion versus malignancy. Lumbar puncture (LP) was performed without obvious infectious or inflammatory results. Examination was notable for severe right-sided neglect, right homonymous hemianopia and Gerstmann’s syndromic features. Infectious, metabolic, and rheumatologic panels were negative. Over 24 hours, patient worsened with severe bilateral neglect and bilateral central sparing homonymous hemianopia. Repeat non-contrasted brain MRI, 5 days from the initial, revealed bilateral parieto-occipital involvement with extension across the splenium of corpus collosum to the right.  Repeat LP showed mild lymphocytic pleocytosis, normal protein, positive oligoclonal bands and an elevated IGG index.  She was treated with high dose steroids, plasmapheresis and rituximab with clinical improvement and a repeat brain MRI showing stable lesions without radiological progression.

TACNSL within the pregnant population confers diagnostic and therapeutic challenges due to its rarity of occurrence, clinical similarity to several neurologic presentations and paucity of established evaluation and treatment guidelines.  In this case, patient responded to high dose steroid therapy, plasmapheresis, followed by rituximab.
Authors/Disclosures
Terri Milburn (Emory Healthcare)
PRESENTER
Ms. Milburn has nothing to disclose.
Amy R. Harrison, MD (Emory University) No disclosure on file
Dinesh V. Jillella, MD (Emory University School of Medicine / Grady Memorial Hospital) Dr. Jillella has nothing to disclose.