Carcinomatous Meningitis, with Special Reference to Low Chloride Concentration in the Cerebrospinal Fluid

Two patients with carcinomatous meningitis are reported. They had several clinical features in common. Special reference is made to low concentrations of chloride and sugar in the cerebrospinal fluid, and to generalized and localized epileptic attacks. The first patient was treated with nitrogen mustard, and the second underwent bilateral subtemporal decompression followed by cranial irradiation. The results were better than usual, since there was a relatively long survival period of approximately one year, and the second patient is still in satisfactory general condition. The diagnosis of carcinomatous meningitis is discussed.