Rosai-Dorfman disease mimicking parasagittal meningioma: Case presentationand review of literature

BACKGROUND Sinus histiocytosis with massive lymphadenopathy was originally described by Rosai and Dorfman in 1969. It usually presents with bilateral painless cervical lymphadenopathy. In extremely rare circumstances, the CNS can be affected. Only 21 prior cases of intracranial involvement have been reported. CASE REPORT A 33-year-old white male presented with a 2-week history of pro gressive cephalgia. The patient underwent MRI testing that revealed an enha ncing mass in the right parasagittal region with associated edema. Preopera tive diagnosis was right parasagittal meningioma. The patient underwent cra niotomy with complete resection of the mass. Histopathology was compatible with Rosai-Dorfman disease (RDD). CONCLUSION Rosai-Dorfman disease is rarely found intracranially; however, i ts ability to mimic meningioma as well as other pathologies underlines its importance. With so few reported cases of intracranial involvement, more ex perience will be necessary before this clinical presentation and prognosis can be clearly outlined. (C) 2000 by Elsevier Science Inc.