Corpus Callosum Primary CNS Lymphoma (PCNSL): Radiologic-Pathologic Correlation
Channel: James Smirniotopoulos
Date: 12/12/2012

Primary brain or CNS Lymphoma (PCNSL) is usually a non-Hodgkin B-cell neoplasm.  PCNSL accounts for 2-3% of primary brain tumors.  The lesions are usually near the venticle, and often involve the corpus callosum - a "butterfly lesion".  PCNSL - like most "small round blue-cell tumors" shows increased attenuation on plain CT, and low signal on FLAIR and T2-weighted MR.  CNS lymphoma often has restricted diffusion and is dark on ADC map images.  The five-year survival is about 20%, despite most patients showing and initial good response to radiation, chemotherapy, and/or steroids.