Intracranial Invasion of an Extramedullary Plasmacytoma in the Paranasal Sinus: A Case Report with a Reference to Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Abstract

A case of extramedullary plasmacytoma arising from the paranasal sinus with intracranial invasion at recurrence is reported. In this case, magnetic resonance imaging was first employed not only to delineate tumor extension into the cranial space, but also to evaluate the therapeutic response. Histological confirmation was made after a biopsy was performed. Despite widespread tumor involvement of orbit in the cavernous sinus and anterior skull base, radiotherapy and subsequent maintenance chemotherapy with cisplatin and etoposide induced a long-term, 42-month partial remission. The pertinent clinical characteristics are reviewed in the literature and the therapeutic problems and prognostic factors are discussed with an introduction of advantage of magnetic resonance imaging.