Head tumors simulating the Tolosa-Hunt syndrome

Abstract

The article presents the results of a clinical neuroimaging study of 15 patients with rare tumors of the head that were manifested by symptoms simulating the Tolosa-Hunt syndrome (THS). These were primary tumors in 66.6% of the cases and metastases of breast, bronchus, prostate and melanoma cancers in 33.4% of the cases. The typical localization of these tumors, typical neurological symptoms, and their features that distinguish these cases from THS were established. In 20% of the cases, the primary tumor site in the head in this pathology was found not to be associated with damage to the nervous system structures. The growth features in primary and metastatic tumors were specified. Of 5 histologically proven cases, meningioma was detected in 3 patients, neuroma in 1 patient, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in 1 patient. We discuss indications for surgical treatment, use of a Gamma Knife, polychemotherapy, or symptomatic therapy. Three clinical cases of primary and metastatic tumors of the head that simulated THS are described.

Keywords

• tolosa-hunt syndrome
• primary and metastatic tumors of the head
• meningioma
• neurinoma
• lymphoma