Encephalomalacia Post Oligodendroglioma

I am 35 yrs old and had an Oligodendroglioma removed in April 2000 with no residual growth since.  Recently, I have started having some visual changes and leg weakness which resulted in me having a CT Scan.  It shows "focal area of encephalomalacia" above the left ventricle and communicating with the ventricle.  I am wondering if this is anything I need to be concerned about?  An MRI in 2005 showed "porencephaly" in this area, if that means anything.  Other recent scans have mentioned "Arachnoid Cysts" but I've never had any doctor be concerned until this recent CT and now my family doctor wants me re-evaluated.  Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
Welcome to the MedHelp forum!
Porencephaly is a rare disorder that involves encephalomalacia and cysts or cavities in the brain. The location of a porencephalic cyst often coincides with the territory of a cerebral artery and can be either in the cortical or subcortical zone. A typical porencephalic cyst directly communicates with the ventricles. This may be mistaken for an arachnoid cyst of the brain, which is usually present in the arachnoid space (a space between the linings of the brain.  Encephalomalacia is not an illness. It is basically a softening of the brain matter as a result of an ischemia or infarction, degenerative changes, infection, craniocerebral trauma, or other injury.  The cause has to be found out. Usually this is not reversible. Treatment is just supportive. Hence your doctor wants a reevaluation.
Hope this helps. Do let me know if there is any thing else and keep me posted. Take care!