Primary central nervous system lymphoma

Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is an aggressive extranodal non-Hodgkin lymphoma affecting the brain, particularly periventricular areas, leptomeninges, spinal cord, and/or eyes. Immunocompromised patients are at greater risk than immunocompetent individuals especially patients with AIDS. Diagnosis is made through stereotactic needle biopsy. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis and victrectomy or choroidal/retinal biopsy may be sufficient to render the diagnosis. CNS staging requires evaluating the extent of disease and systemic disease must be ruled out prior to initiating treatment. Chemotherapy using a high dose HD-MTX based regimen is the first line of treatment.