Cerebral infratentorial large B-cell lymphoma presenting as parkinsonism

Though rare, primary intracranial tumors can present with Parkinsonian symptoms, and diagnosis can be delayed unless there is a high index of suspicion. We herein present an 81-year-old man who was seen in our neurology clinic due to acute onset of unsteady gait and altered consciousness. Parkinsonism was initially diagnosed because of the typical manifestations. Levodopa was prescribed; however, there was a limited effect on his symptoms. Upon detail history and neurological examination, left sided hemiparesis was disclosed. Cerebral imaging studies revealed a solid mass over the right infratentorial para-midbrain area leading to reactive obstructive hydrocephalus. Work-up including chest and abdominal CT scanning, upper and lower GI endoscopy, and tumor marker studies failed to uncover any abnormalities. A neurosurgeon was consulted and a shunt procedure and biopsy of the infratentorial mass were performed. Histopathological examination of the biopsy tissue revealed tumor diffusely intermixed with large cells consistent with large B-cell lymphoma. The patient and his family declined further treatment. Though rare, cerebral tumors can present with Parkinsonian features and represent a diagnostic challenge. Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of cerebral neoplasms causing Parkinsonism, and include them in the differential diagnosis, especially for patients presenting with atypical Parkinsonian features, or those not responsive to initial therapy.