Multiple cerebral melanoma metastases with unknown primary tumor location: A case report

Abstract

Introduction. Diagnostic and therapeutic approach of multiple cerebral lesions is often challenging. Case report. A 66-year-old man with unremarkable medical history was admitted to our hospital for recent inability and stereotyped movements of the left upper limb. Brain MRI identified eight tumoral masses with contrast enhancement and marked SWI signal loss that displayed increased metabolic activity on 18F-FDG PET/CT scan. Cerebral biopsy led to the diagnosis of melanoma with BRAF V600E mutation. Stereotactic radiosurgery and molecular therapy were planned afterwards. Conclusion. Brain MRI is a useful tool in guiding diagnosis of cerebral metastases of unknown origin.

Keywords

• cerebral metastases
• unknown primary tumor
• melanoma
• braf mutation
• swi hypointensity
• fluid-blood level