Posttherapeutic cerebral radionecrosis: a complication of head and neck tumor therapy

Journal Article · Tue Dec 01 00:00:00 EST 1981 · South. Med. J.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1097/00007611-198112000-00018· OSTI ID:5500527

Araoz, C; Weems, A M

Patients with treated head and neck cancer may have focal neurologic symptoms and personality changes due to delayed cerebral radionecrosis. A history of past treatment should direct the physician to consider these lesions in the differential diagnosis. Craniotomy is the management recommended. Histopathologic changes include fibrotic response of the meninges with pleomorphic and vacuolated fibroblasts, capillary hyperplasia, reactive astrocytes, and fibrosis of the blood vessels. Amyloid is deposited in the arteriolar walls and extracellular space. Ischemic, autoimmune, or vascular mechanisms, and glial alterations have all been considered in the pathogensis of delayed cerebral radionecrosis. Some researchers have concluded that chemotherapeutic agents, such as methotrexate, may contribute to its production.

• Research Organization: Department of Pathology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock
• OSTI ID: 5500527
• Journal Information: South. Med. J.; (United States), Vol. 74:12
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
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BRAIN
BIOLOGICAL RADIATION EFFECTS
NECROSIS
RADIOINDUCTION
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CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM
CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM
DISEASES
DRUGS
MEDICINE
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ORGANS
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560151* - Radiation Effects on Animals- Man
550900 - Pathology
550600 - Medicine