SEPTEMBER 1996 - NEW-ONSET HEMIPARESIS

A 44 year old woman developed left hemiparesis. CT scan showed a contr ast enhancing lesion in the right periventricular area. A stereotactic biopsy was performed. The initial impression was that of an astrocyti c neoplasm, however the presence of perivascular lymphocytes and numer ous foamy macrophages led to consultation. Special studies demonstrate d demyelination and lymphocytic infiltrate with relative axonal preser vation consistent with multiple sclerosis. Additional history from the patient revealed a flu-like illness one week prior to the hemiparesis and a history of transitory visual problems, possibly early manifesta tions of her multiple sclerosis.