PRIMARY INTRACRANIAL PLASMA-CELL GRANULOMA - A CASE-REPORT AND REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

BACKGROUND Plasma-cell granulomas, which are characterized by the non-neoplastic proliferation of plasma cells, are primarily found in the lungs and upper respiratory tracts, and are extremely rare in the central nervous system. METHODS An intracranial tumor of an 11-year-old boy was evaluated by histologic and radiologic examination. RESULTS An 11-year-old boy had a 2-month history of mild headache and nausea. A computed tomography scan showed a round, slightly high-density mass surrounded by marked edema in the left frontal lobe. On magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the mass had a slightly high signal intensity on the T-1-weighted image and marked low signal intensity on the T-2-weighted image. It was heterogenously enhanced with gadolinium-DTPA. Microscopic examination demonstrated a non-neoplastic mixed cell population with a predominance of plasma cells. Immunohistochemical staining revealed that it was characterized by a polyclonal plasma cell population. CONCLUSION Our extensive search of the literature indicated this to be the ninth reported case of intracranial plasma cell granulation. The MRI was very useful for evaluating the extent of the intracranial lesions. The tumor was removed surgically and did not recur during a 2-year follow-up with no radiation therapy.