CARCINOMATOUS MENINGITIS AS THE 1ST MANIFESTATION OF DIGESTIVE-TRACT CANCER - 2 CASE-REPORTS WITH A REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

Two cases of meningeal carcinomatosis are reported. The first patient developed cauda equina syndrome which rapidly progressed to diffuse meningoradiculitis, leading to the diagnosis of an infiltrating gastric carcinoma. In the second patient, multiple cranial nerve involvement led to the diagnosis of carcinoma and lithiasis of the gallbladder. In such cases where carcinomatous meningitis occurs as the first manifestation, cerebrospinal fluid studies are valuable since they establish the diagnosis and may, in some instances, provide clues as to the primary cancer. A review of the literature highlights the variability of clinical manifestations, useful diagnostic tools, and possible therapeutic modalities. Prompt therapy is aimed at prolonging survival. However, the prognosis remains grim.