Solitary eosinophilic granuloma of the temporal lobe: case report and review of the literature.

A solitary eosinophilic granuloma of the central nervous system is an unusual manifestation of histiocytosis X. A unique case of a solitary eosinophilic granuloma of the right temporal lobe without osseous involvement is described. A 20-year-old man presented with a grand mal seizure. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated an intraaxial enhancing mass in the right temporal lobe with marked vasogenic edema. A right temporal craniotomy was performed for resection of the lesion and the diagnosis of an eosinophilic granuloma was confirmed by histopathology. Follow-up MR imaging obtained 5 years following resection demonstrated no recurrence. Solitary eosinophilic granuloma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of enhancing mass lesions affecting the central nervous system. Although the natural history of solitary eosinophilic granulomas remains poorly defined, surgical treatment still remains the mainstay of therapy for these unifocal cerebral lesions.