Open AccessIntracranial Foreign Body Granuloma Mimicking Brain Tumor Recurrence: A Case Series
Author(s) -
Winter Sebastian F.,
Forst Deborah A.,
Oakley Derek H.,
Batchelor Tracy T.,
Dietrich Jorg
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
the oncologist
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.176
H-Index - 164
eISSN - 1549-490X
pISSN - 1083-7159
DOI - 10.1002/onco.13766
Subject(s) - medicine , asymptomatic , foreign body granuloma , histopathology , magnetic resonance imaging , foreign body , biopsy , granuloma , lesion , surgery , radiology , glioma , pathology , cancer research
Background Intracranial foreign body granuloma (FBG) is a rare inflammatory reaction to retained foreign material, manifesting acutely or months to years following neurosurgical procedures. Radiographically, FBG can mimic tumor progression, and tissue biopsy may be required to guide management. Materials and Methods In this retrospective case series, we present unique clinico‐radiographic and histopathological features of six neuro‐oncological patients diagnosed with FBG between 2007 and 2019. Results All six patients (4 women and 2 men, aged 29–54 [median, 30.5] years) had undergone surgical resection of a low‐ ( n = 4) or high‐grade ( n = 2) glioma. FBG manifestation postsurgery ranged from 1 day to 4 years and was predominantly asymptomatic ( n = 5/6). Magnetic resonance imaging universally demonstrated one or multiple peripherally enhancing lesion(s) adjacent to the resection cavity. Histopathology in all ( n = 4/4) resected specimens demonstrated an inflammatory reaction to foreign material, confirming FBG. Conclusion Intracranial FBG constitutes a rare but challenging treatment‐related condition effectively managed by surgery, with important therapeutic implications in neuro‐oncology.