INTRODUCTION: Although rare, adenocarcinoma is the most frequent neoplasm of the ethmoid sinus and must be regarded as an occupational disease secondary to chronic wood dust exposure. Few cases with neurological metastasis have been reported. CASE REPORT: We report the cases of two patients who developed a multiple cranial nerve disorder for the first case and a cauda equina syndrome for the second, after ethmoid adenocarcinoma surgery. CONCLUSION: Diagnosis of carcinomatous meningitis is difficult and is based on clinical data, CSF analysis and gadolinium-enhanced T1-weighted brain and spinal cord MRI. The implication of surgery is discussed. Prognosis of such a disorder is poor.
INTRODUCTION: Although rare, adenocarcinoma is the most frequent neoplasm of the ethmoid sinus and must be regarded as an occupational disease secondary to chronic wood dust exposure. Few cases with neurological metastasis have been reported. CASE REPORT: We report the cases of two patients who developed a multiple cranial nerve disorder for the first case and a cauda equina syndrome for the second, after ethmoid adenocarcinoma surgery. CONCLUSION: Diagnosis of carcinomatous meningitis is difficult and is based on clinical data, CSF analysis and gadolinium-enhanced T1-weighted brain and spinal cord MRI. The implication of surgery is discussed. Prognosis of such a disorder is poor.