NRASQ61K mutated diffuse leptomeningeal melanomatosis in an adult patient with a brief review of the so-called "forme fruste" of neurocutaneous melanosis

Brain Tumor Pathol. 2018 Oct;35(4):217-223. doi: 10.1007/s10014-018-0328-x. Epub 2018 Aug 25.

Abstract

Primary melanocytic tumors of central nervous system represent rare tumors arising from melanocytes of the leptomeninges. These neoplasms include focal forms like melanocytoma and primary malignant melanoma and diffuse forms like leptomeningeal melanocytosis and primary leptomeningeal melanomatosis. The clinical diagnosis remains challenging, with clinical and radiologic features overlapping with other more common diseases. Here we present a case of a 38 years old male with primary diffuse leptomeningeal melanomatosis with presence of a NRASQ61K mutation without features of neurocutaneous melanosis.

Keywords: Autopsy; Melanomatosis; Meningeal neoplasms; NRAS; Primary melanocytic tumors.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Autopsy
  • Brain / diagnostic imaging
  • Brain / pathology
  • Fatal Outcome
  • GTP Phosphohydrolases / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Melanoma / diagnostic imaging
  • Melanoma / genetics*
  • Melanoma / pathology*
  • Melanosis / genetics
  • Membrane Proteins / genetics*
  • Meningeal Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Meningeal Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Meningeal Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Mutation*
  • Neurocutaneous Syndromes / genetics
  • Spinal Cord / diagnostic imaging
  • Spinal Cord / pathology

Substances

  • Membrane Proteins
  • GTP Phosphohydrolases
  • NRAS protein, human

Supplementary concepts

  • Neurocutaneous melanosis