Onset of meningeal carcinomatosis as acute hydrocefalus

Objective: To present two cases of leptomeningeal carcinomatosis, their management, and a bibliographical revision. Description: case 1: patient of 48 years, who enters by sensory abnormalities, with CT that demotrated tetraventricular hydrocephalus. The CSF was positive for neoplasic cells. Primary tumor was found in bladder. Case 2: patient of 55 years, who entered by progressive cuadriparesia. He presented sensory abnormalities by acute hydrocephalus. The autopsy informed meningeal affectation by gastric carcinoma. Discussion: Although patognomonic signs do not exist, the more frequent clinical manifestations are affectation of cranial nerves, headache and alterations of the mental functions. The RNM with gadolinium is the best method, with a sensitivity of 70. In the infrequent cases of acute hydrocephalus, the CT is the first study to perform. Conclusion: Before the unspecific signs, the diagnosis of certainty of meningeal carcinomatosis is based on the help of radiological investigations and the findings of the LCR, on an oncologic context.