Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are neoplasms derived from neuro endocrine cells, which carry traits of both hormone-producing cells and nerve cells. The most common sites of origin for NETs are the lungs, liver, gastrointestinal tract, and pancreas. Central nervous system (CNS) involvement of NETs can occur with metastasis, but it is very rare to have NETs arise primarily from the CNS. A 71 year old male arrived to the Emergency Department for evaluation of change in mental status. The patient complained of confusion, unsteady gait, dizziness, and vision changes. The patient's neurologic examination demonstrated right upper outer quadrant field cut to both eyes, and decreased sensation to right upper and lower extremities. Computed Tomography of the head revealed a mass lesion in the left occipitoparietal lobe, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the brain showed a complex, enhancing, and hemorrhagic mass within the left parietal lobe. CT of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis demonstrated no other source of tumor. The patient went on to have a positron emission tomography (PET) scan one month after surgery that again did not show any evidence of extracranial primary tumor. The ultimate diagnosis was primary central nervous system NET. To date, less than 10 cases of primary CNS NETs have been reported.
Key words: Neuroendocrine Tumor, Central Nervous System, Brain, Primary Brain Neuroendocrine Tumor, Carcinoid
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