leukemic meningitis
(loo-KEE-mik MEH-nin-JY-tis)
A serious problem that may occur in leukemia. In leukemic meningitis, cancer cells have spread from the original (primary) tumor to the meninges (thin layers of tissue that cover and protect the brain and spinal cord). The cancer may cause the meninges to be inflamed. Also called leukemic leptomeningitis and meningeal leukemia.