Classifying Leptomeningeal Disease: An  Essential Element in Managing Advanced Metastatic Disease in the Central Nervous System

The development of leptomeningeal meningeal disease (LMD) in the central nervous system has traditionally been considered a harbinger of rapidly fatal outcome, portending death in a few months.1 Many radiologists and oncologists equate the finding of “leptomeningeal disease” or “meningeal involvement” on a brain or spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) report with “leptomeningeal carcinomatosis” or “carcinomatous meningitis,” in which tumor cells cover and infiltrate a broad expanse of the meninges, giving the appearance of “s ugar coating” these surfaces.

Source: International Journal of Radiation Oncology * Biology * Physics - February 1, 2020 Category: Radiology Authors: John P. Kirkpatrick Tags: Clinical Investigation Source Type: research