Dose effect relationships in cervical and thoracic radiation myelopathies.
The course and prognosis of radiation myelopathies are determined by 3 factors; the segmental (vertical) location of the lesion, the extent of the transverse syndrome (complete or incomplete) and the radiation dose. The median spinal dose in cervical radiation myelopathies with fatal outcome was higher than in survivals with an incomplete transverse syndrome. In thoracic radiation myelopathies a dose difference between complete and incomplete transverse syndromes could be found as well. Incomplete transverse syndromes as submaximum radiation injuries are more suitable for the determination of the spinal tolerance dose than complete transverse syndromes. The lowest threshold could be stated for cases following high-volume irradiation of the lymphatic system.
D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D006801:Humans; D008208:Lymphatic System / Q000528:radiation effects; D011379:Prognosis; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage; D011882:Radiotherapy, High-Energy / Q000009:adverse effects; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000473:pathology; D013118:Spinal Cord Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology