Multiple sclerosis and primary brain tumours: a diagnostic challenge

Background: Simultaneous occurrence of multiple sclerosis (MS) and primary tumours of the central nervous system (CNS) is uncommon; so far about 40 cases have been described.
Case Report: The cases of two patients are described: one with a long-lasting benign course of MS and a rapid deterioration due to anaplastic astrocytoma of the corpus callosum and the other with moderate
disability after several years of MS and with tumour of the pineal gland revealed accidentally by
neuroimaging .
Conclusions: No causative relationship between MS and primary CNS tumours has been proved. However, their
co-occurrence should be considered in cases of atypical MS course. Sequential neuroimaging and
in some cases biopsy are advised to establish the diagnosis and undertake prompt treatment.

Keywords: Multiple Sclerosis, primary brain tumours