PATIENT WITH LHERMITTE DUCLOS AND MENINGIOMA, POSSIBLE DIAGNOSIS OF COWDEN SYNDROME

Abstract

Objective: The present study reports a case of a patient with the association of meningioma and Lhermitte Duclos disease which can configure the diagnosis of Cowden Syndrome. Methods: The analysis of the results of imaging and pathologies tests, encountered in the course of three surgeries that were performed within one year. Results: Was reported the case of a patient who sought a neurosurgical service due to symptoms caused by a large tumor with intra and extracranial invasion. The initial focus of this pathology led to surgical treatment and the diagnosis of a meningioma. Another tumor was already present in previous exams and its final diagnosis was compatible with Lhermitte Duclos. The association of these two tumors led to a suspected diagnosis of Cowden Syndrome. Conclusion: Every patient with Lhermitte Duclos should be examined for the presence of other elements of Cowden syndrome and all patients diagnosed with the syndrome should be investigated clinically to exclude the existence of LDD. Unfortunately the methodologies used in genetic diagnosis requires an infrastructure of equipment, consumables and formation of specialized people which, because of high costs, usually are not available everywhere and, on this situation, were not available for the patient in question.