leptomeningeal

1 9.9

Relating to the thin layers that cover the brain and spinal cord

adjective
/ˌlɛp.təˈmɛn.ɪn.dʒi.əl/

Specialized

: leptomeníngea

Research shows that leptomeningeal involvement can complicate the treatment of certain cancers.

Examples

Patients with leptomeningeal metastasis often exhibit symptoms like headaches and confusion.
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) evaluation confirmed the presence of leptomeningeal disease.

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In the absence of lesions that are accessible for biopsy, the most common way to evaluate for leptomeningeal disease is by CSF analysis.

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Imaging studies such as CT or MRI can also indicate involvement, although there have been several cases reported of documented leptomeningeal involvement without imaging abnormalities.

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Intrathecal chemotherapy may effectively clear leptomeningeal disease, and systemic chemotherapy with CNS penetration may augment this approach.

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The doctor explained that leptomeningeal inflammation can lead to serious neurological symptoms.

Synonyms

meningeal

vsleptomeningeal

Specialized

1 9.4

Relating to the thin coverings of the brain and spinal cord

is limited to the two thin inner membranes rather than all membranes

Surface Forms

leptomeningeal positive

Morphology

leptomeningeal = meningeal (opaque) = lepto + meninge + eal

The prefix 'lepto-' is not a common English morpheme, and the specific medical meaning is specialized.

Etymology

Leptomeningeal comes from the parts lepto- meaning 'thin' and meninges meaning 'membrane' that cover the brain and spinal cord. So, leptomeningeal describes something that affects those thin coverings, just like meningitis names a disease of the same membranes.