2007 suplement 1

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Volume 16, suplement 1

Case report

Depressive episode as a tumour mask in neoplastic metastases to the central nervous system: case report

Ewa Becelewska1, Janusz Becelewski1, Janina Lamch-Biś1, Dorota Wrzesień1
1. Wojewódzki Szpital Neuropsychiatryczny w Lublińcu
Postępy Psychiatrii i Neurologii 2007; 16, suplement 1 (21): 7-8
Keywords: depression, tumour mask, metastases to the CNS, case report

Abstract

Objective. The fact is highlighted that mental disorders including depressive mood may develop as the early or even the only clinical symptoms of proliferated neoplastic disease with metastases to the central nervous system (CNS).

Case report. A 48-year-old woman was referred to a psychiatric hospital with the diagnosis of depressive syndrome including gait disorders, among other symptoms. In the course of the disease she developed left-sided hemiplegia, and a proliferated neoplastic process with metastases to the CNS was found.

Commentary. The patient's symptoms did not differ from these of endogenous depression, which acted as a mask of neoplastic metastases to the CNS. The case suggests that if any organic background is suspected, perhaps neuroimaging diagnostic techniques should be used more often.

Address for correspondence:
Dr Ewa Becelewska
Wojewódzki Szpital Neuropsychiatryczny
ul. Grunwaldzka 48, 42-700 Lubliniec