[Malignant intracranial lymphoma--clinical and patho-immunological study].

Clinical and patho-immunological study was made on 15 cases of primary intracranial malignant lymphoma. The average age of the patients was 45.2, however older man suffered more than younger one. Male to female ratio was 3:2. The duration between onset to diagnosis was less than 6 months in 13 cases. The common signs and symptoms were hemiparesis (60%) and signs of intracranial hypertension (45%), followed by disturbance of consciousness, visual disturbances, convulsion and signs of inflammation. The location of the lesions was in parietal lobe (44%), temporal lobe (27.8%), cerebellum (22.2%), brain stem and basal ganglia (18%). Multiple lesions were found in 4 cases. CT scan was the most diagnostic method not only to delineate the location of lesions but also to recognize the biological natures of this condition. The radiosensitivity of this tumor was also confirmed by follow-up CT scans during radiotherapy. Most of the lesions were avascular by carotid angiography, but capillary blush at the tumor site was shown in some cases. Laboratory findings revealed that derangement of gamma globulin in the serum and decline of cellular immunity were demonstrated in many cases. Surgical removal followed by whole skull irradiation was made in all cases except one. Remission of neurological signs and symptoms with disappearance of lesions on CT scan was obtained in 7 cases for one to 9 months. All cases except two survival, died during 3 to 28 months (average: 10.1). Survival rate at one year and 2 years was 35.7% and 14.3% respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)