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The history given of increasing confusion over some weeks and a major problem with his speech (marked expressive dysphasia) is highly suggestive of a cerebral lesion in the frontoparietal region of the dominant hemisphere. The CT head scan shows a focal relatively homogeneous low attenuation lesion in the left parietal region, surrounded by an area of rim enhancement, extending also into the frontal lobe. There is minimum midline shift. This is highly suggestive of a cerebral tumour (A is correct). The most common cerebral tumours in adults comprise secondary neoplasms, although these are often multiple and do not usually show rim enhancement. With metastatic cerebral neoplasms, the primary site may be occult. The most common primary site is lung, particularly small cell cancer. Malignant melanoma appears to have specific predilection to metastasis to brain; and renal carcinoma is another common primary site, together with breast cancer in women. Appropriate imaging is helpful in identifying occult primary malignancies. The most common primary tumour in adults is the glioblastoma multiforme, which is also the most malignant. Other types of primary brain tumour include the somewhat less aggressive astrocytoma, oligodendroglioma, ependymoma, and (in children) medulloblastoma. Meningiomas, by contrast, arise from the meningeal coverings of the brain - their growth pattern is expansive and not infiltrative. A cerebral embolism usually requires a defined source - from the heart, aorta or carotid artery - associated with a history of sudden onset neurologic deficit. Confirmation of this diagnosis requires demonstrable occlusion within an intracerebral artery, in this case the left middle cerebral artery, by use of CT or MR angiography. Cerebral infarction may occur as a result of embolism or thrombosis with a resultant wedge-shaped defect. Often, irregular haemorrhage into an infarct will show up as higher attenuation area(s) within the lesion or extending from one side. A cerebral haemorrhage presents as a sudden onset of neurological deficit, unlike this presentation. The CT will show a hypodense lesion which may extend irregularly, involve the lateral ventricles, and be associated with surrounding oedema exhibited as low attenuation with effacement of the sulci. A cerebral tuberculoma is usually associated with central caseation and a more heterogeneous appearance. There is nothing in the history to suggest prior tuberculous infection. (缺图)
Sudden or rapid onset of delirium is a common problem in acutely ill patients, particularly the elderly. The delirium may be a manifestation of a pre-existing condition or brought on as a complication or sequel of the illness and its treatment. Pre-existing conditions to consider include chronic medical problems such as cardiorespiratory disease, cerebrovascular disease and myxoedema. Drug usage - including alcohol - must also be taken in account. Many well-defined precipitating factors are associated with the development of delirium in acute illness. These include sepsis (respiratory or urinary infection, cholangitis), hypoxia (chest infection, pulmonary oedema), metabolic disturbances (hyponatraemia, hypoglycaemia), cardiac problems (arrhythmias, congestive cardiac failure), hypotension (haemorrhage, dehydration), narcosis (opiate sedation and consequent hypoenfiliation), and drug withdrawal (alcohol, benzodiazepines). In the case described in the question the woman appeared to be self-sufficient and therefore a pre-existing dementia would be an unlikely cause of the current problem. However, she might have an underlying chronic medical condition and hypothyroidism, B₁₂ deficiency and cirrhosis are all possible contributing factors. The relatively normal liver function tests and absence of a macrocytosis make cirrhosis or pernicious anaemia unlikely aetiological factors in her delirium. The marginal elevation of alkaline phosphatase and gamma glutamyl transferase often occurs with moderate alcohol consumption and would support the hypothesis that this woman's current confusion is related to alcohol withdrawal. Even withdrawal of a small volume