A Rare and Challenging Presentation of Acute Hemorrhagic Leukoencephalitis With Tumefactive Demyelinating Lesions in a 41-Year-Old Male

• Published in: Curēus (Palo Alto, CA) Vol. 16; no. 4; p. e58282
• Main Authors: Iltaf Mairajuddin, Sr, Samar, Salim Inshasi, Jihad Said, Channa, Raheel Muneer Ahmed, Anwar Siddiqi, Shaista, Shaffi Al Madani, Abubaker Abdul Rahman, Flayyih, Raya
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Cureus Inc 15.04.2024; Cureus
• Subjects: Blood products; Blood-brain barrier; Case reports; Disease; Edema; Emergency medical care; Hemorrhage; Medical imaging; Neurology; Neurosurgery; Radiology; Steroids; Tumors; magnetic resonance imaging; tumefactive ms; cns demyelinating disease; corticosteroid therapy; susceptibility weighted imaging (swi); acute hemorrhagic leukoencephalitis ahle; diffusion-weighted imaging (dwi); apparent diffusion coefficient (adc)
• ISSN: 2168-8184; 2168-8184
• DOI: 10.7759/cureus.58282

Acute hemorrhagic leukoencephalitis (AHLE) is a rare and severe inflammatory condition of the central nervous system (CNS), characterized by hemorrhagic lesions in the brain's white matter. Here, we present a case of AHLE with concurrent tumefactive demyelinating disease, highlighting the diagnostic and management challenges associated with this complex presentation. Tumefactive multiple sclerosis (MS) is a rare variant of MS characterized by large, space-occupying lesions in the CNS. Concurrently, hemorrhagic leukoencephalitis (HLE) represents a severe inflammatory disorder characterized by hemorrhagic lesions within the CNS white matter. The diagnosis of tumefactive MS with associated HLE posed significant diagnostic challenges due to overlapping clinical and radiological features. Management involved high-dose corticosteroid therapy and supportive care measures, with longitudinal follow-up to assess treatment response and prevent complications. The patient exhibited a favorable clinical response to treatment, with gradual improvement in symptoms and resolution of radiological abnormalities. The coexistence of tumefactive MS with HLE is exceptionally rare and presents diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. We report a 41-year-old male presenting with acute neurological symptoms, including severe headache, confusion, left-sided body weakness, slurred speech, and blurred vision. Neurological examination revealed dysarthric speech, right homonymous hemianopia, left upper motor neuron facial palsy, and motor deficits. MRI demonstrated multifocal areas of T2 hyperintensity with associated hemorrhage, suggestive of tumefactive MS with associated HLE. Diagnostic workup included neurological examination, MRI imaging, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, and serological testing. Management involved high-dose corticosteroid therapy and supportive care measures. The patient exhibited a favorable clinical response to treatment, with gradual improvement in symptoms and resolution of radiological abnormalities. Longitudinal follow-up confirmed sustained improvement. In conclusion, the coexistence of tumefactive MS with HLE poses diagnostic challenges due to overlapping features. This case underscores the importance of considering rare and atypical presentations of CNS demyelinating disease and the potential complications, including associated HLE. Comprehensive evaluation, multidisciplinary collaboration, and individualized management are essential for optimizing outcomes in patients with complex CNS inflammatory disorders.