Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Sodium Fluorescein (SF) enhances in areas in the brain with a disrupted Blood brain barrier (BBB). In neurosurgery, SF is extensive used for malignant brain tumors. Solitary brain abscesses (BA) are characterized by the pathognomonic finding of BBB disruption. Consequently, FL may have the potential to improve the intra-operative visualization of BA. Other infections also disrupt BBB and SF may guide these surgeries. CASE SERIES: A 32-year old male patient, previously diagnosed with HIV presented with headache and during investigation MRI disclosure an extensive leptomeningeal commitment. Leptomeningeal biopsy guided by fluorescein and using Varioguide system was performed and the diagnosis was primary central nervous system lymphoma (Diffuse large B-cell). During surgery, it was observed increased fluorescence in arachnoid. A 72-year old woman presented with headache, impairment of mental status and epilepsy and a KPS of 60. Her initial hypothesis was metastasis but patient did not have a primary situs diagnosis. An open biopsy was performed through temporal posterior craniotomy. During surgery no visible well delimited tumor was found, even with ultrasound use. Fluorescein guided biopsy was performed. Histological evaluation showed an Epstein-Barr virus infection causing encephalitis. This is an extremely rare presentation of this type of infection and SF was extremely helpful to guide the procedure. CONCLUSION: This paper reported atypical uses of SF for brain mass lesions surgeries. One of our cases is a unique presentation of a virus encephalitis which mimicked metastasis and other of increased fluorescence in Lymphoma. These atypical use of SF are relevant for further neurosurgical plannings Keywords: Fluorescein, Lymphoma, Biopsy