Meningeal carcinomatosis in breast cancer presenting as central hypoventilation: a case report with a brief review of the literature.

Meningeal carcinomatosis can appear with a variety of neurologic signs and symptoms. Alterations in respiratory control have not been reported in this syndrome or in neurologic syndromes associated with systemic cancer. The authors report on a case of documented leptomeningeal carcinoma from breast cancer presenting as apnea; they note its successful treatment with radiation and intrathecal chemotherapy. The authors conclude that respiratory failure can be considered as part of the syndrome of leptomeningeal carcinomatosis.