Superselective arterial chemotherapy for inoperable metastases in the dura mater and cranium.

SUMMARY: Diffuse metastases to the cranium and dura mater of the bilateral hemisphere do not allow surgical intervention. We describe an excellent case which was treated by intra-arterial chemotherapy using Epirubicine (Farumorbicine). A 58-year-old woman treated for breast cancer ten years ago was admitted to our hospital with headache and frontal mass lesions.Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging on admission revealed a remarkable enhanced lesion of the bilateral dura mater and cranium, and bilateral brain edema in the frontal lobe. Angiography disclosed a vascular rich tumour supplied by bilateral external carotid artery branches.We successfully treated the lesion using superselective intra-arterial chemotherapy with a minimal dose of Epirubicine followed by embolization of bilateral external carotid artery branches. Followup MR imaging two years after the endovascular treatment showed disappearance of the enhanced lesion and remodeling of the skull bone. The patient is neurologically free of symptoms.