Carcinomatous meningitis as a rare presentation of gastric cancer
Bredin, C.; Terris, Bît.; Sogni, P.; Podevin, P.
Presse Medicale 34(7): 509-510
2005
ISSN/ISBN: 0755-4982 PMID: 15903004 Document Number: 593634
Carcinomatous meningitis is a rare complication of gastric cancer. A 46 year-old man with an unremarkable medical history was hospitalized for treatment of suspected meningitis. Despite treatment, his clinical state rapidly worsened and he died without regaining consciousness, shortly after transfer to the ICU. Autopsy showed that he had anchorage-independent cell gastric carcinoma, with simultaneous lymphatic, pulmonary, cutaneous and meningeal metastases. The rising incidence of secondary meningeal lesions in the last two decades is probably associated with the treatment-related improvement in life expectancy. Prognosis is very grave, and median survival time is only several weeks. Carcinomatous meningitis is difficult to diagnosis, especially as the first sign of a primary tumor. This rare presentation of gastric cancer indicates diffuse metastatic spread and extremely poor prognosis.