Cerebral amyloid angiopathy mimicking central nervous system metastases: a case report

Journal of Medical Case Reports
Christopher DeZorziKatherine Harris

Abstract

This case describes an unusual presentation of an intracranial hemorrhage first thought to be metastatic disease on computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. The healthcare team completed an exhaustive search for a primary malignancy that was negative. Final diagnosis on brain biopsy showed intercranial hemorrhage secondary to cerebral amyloid angiopathy. With an increasing number of elderly patients and the rising cost of health care, this case can serve as a reminder to clinicians about their own responsibilities in limiting the cost of health care. This is a case report about a 72-year-old white woman with an intracranial hemorrhage secondary to cerebral amyloid angiopathy. The brain lesions on computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging mimicked a metastatic process until a brain biopsy could give a definitive diagnosis that was completely unexpected. Cerebral amyloid angiopathy is a rare cause of intracerebral hemorrhage and this diagnosis is important to consider in older patients on anticoagulation. Cerebral amyloid angiopathy is a rare diagnosis but should be considered in elderly patients on anticoagulation presenting with imaging findings consistent with intracerebral hemorrhage. While metastatic disease ...Continue Reading

References

Jul 1, 1997·Stroke; a Journal of Cerebral Circulation·S M Greenberg, J P Vonsattel
Jun 14, 2003·Stroke; a Journal of Cerebral Circulation·Mark H EckmanSteven M Greenberg
Apr 10, 2004·Stroke; a Journal of Cerebral Circulation·Steven M GreenbergJonathan Rosand
Jul 9, 2008·Current Atherosclerosis Reports·Mahmut Edip Gurol, Steven M Greenberg
Jul 13, 2011·Journal of Neurology·Alvaro CerveraAngel Chamorro

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