Chronic paroxysmal headache secondary to an orbital metastatic leiomyosarcoma: A case report. (February 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Choi, Hyun Ah; Lee, Mi Ji; Chung, Chin-Sang
• Is Part Of: Cephalalgia. Volume 38:Number 2(2018)
• Page Start: 389
• Page End: 392
• Publication Date: 2018-02
• Subjects: Secondary trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias -- paroxysmal hemicrania -- orbital leiomyosarcoma; Headache -- Periodicals; 616.8491
• DOI: 10.1177/0333102416687538
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0333-1024

Abstract

Background: Intraorbital lesions associated with symptomatic trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias (TACs) are rarely reported. We present a case of orbital metastatic leiomyosarcoma, presenting with chronic paroxysmal hemicrania-like headache. Case report: A 43-year-old man presented with a severe paroxysmal headache in his left periocular and frontal area for a year. The attacks occurred 10–12 times per day, lasting 10–15 minutes with ipsilateral lacrimation and conjunctival injection. Neurological examination and brain MRI without contrast were unremarkable. Different medications were tried, without beneficial effects. A follow-up contrast-enhanced brain MRI performed one year after the baseline MRI revealed an enhancing mass in the left superior oblique muscle. Orbital metastatic leiomyosarcoma arising from the thigh was revealed. He received gamma knife surgery, which completely resolved the headache. Discussion: Intraorbital lesion should be considered a possibility in patients with headache mimicking TACs. Baseline contrast-enhanced MRI is essential, and repeated MRI scans might be needed if clinically indicated.