Open AccessBrainstem astrocytoma as a neuro-Behçet’s disease mimic
Author(s) -
Julia Manasson,
Jonathan Howard,
Johannes Nowatzky
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
bmj case reports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.231
H-Index - 26
ISSN - 1757-790X
DOI - 10.1136/bcr-2018-226945
Subject(s) - medicine , dysarthria , brain biopsy , dysphagia , pons , fluid attenuated inversion recovery , brainstem , pseudobulbar palsy , astrocytoma , disease , pathology , surgery , radiology , magnetic resonance imaging , glioma , cancer research
A 58-year-old man with a history of recurrent aphthous ulcers since childhood was admitted to the hospital with acute neurological decline characterised by loss of motor dexterity, dysarthria, dysphagia and unsteady gait. MRI brain was significant for symmetrical hyperintense T2 fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) in the corticospinal tracts, including parts of the pons and the mesodiencephalic junction. Though initial concern was for neuro-Behçet's disease, brain biopsy ultimately revealed a diagnosis of astrocytoma. This report demonstrates a mimic of neuro-Behçet's disease and the importance of confirming the correct diagnosis prior to initiating therapy.