• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제29권9호
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• pp.1243-1247
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• 2000

Primary malignant leptomeningeal melanoma is very rare, accounting for less than 0.1 percent of tumors in the central nervous system. Patients with primary intracranial malignant melanoma tend to be younger than metastatic intracranial melanoma, most commonly in the fourth decade of life. This tumor is extremely rare and the biologic behavior is aggressive especially in children. The authors report a case of primary malignant leptomeningeal melanoma in a twelve-year-old boy which was initially diagnosed as meningitis. On autopsy, associated extensive leptomeningeal melanosis was confirmed and believed to be the origin of the tumor. This case emphasizes the pattern of clinical presentation and the significance of leptomeningeal melanosis in primary leptomeningeal melanoma.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제29권3호
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• pp.389-395
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• 2000

Arare case of primary malignant melanoma of central nervous system in 12-month-old infant with neuro-cutaneous melanosis is presented. Primary malignant melanomas in central nervous system are very rare in children, however, it is known that leptomeningeal melanosis is malignant in 40-50% with neurocutaneous melanosis. Spinal MRI, brain CT and MRI showed diffuse intradural extramedullary mass of entire spinal cord and enhancing mass in brain stem. CSF cytology revealed abnormal cells. Biopsy from leptomeninges of posterior fossa was compatible with malignant melanoma.