Multifocal brain radionecrosis masquerading as tumor dissemination.
The authors report on an autopsy-proven case of multifocal widespread radionecrosis involving both cerebral hemispheres and masquerading as tumor dissemination on a CT scan done 13 months after complete resection of an oligodendroglioma followed by radiation therapy. This case demonstrates that radiation damage may be present in a CT scan as a multifocal, disseminated lesion. Since the survival of brain-tumor patients who have undergone radiation therapy is prolonged by aggressive therapy, the incidence and variability of radiation-induced complications in such cases is likely to increase. For similar reasons, the radionecrosis in such cases should be taken into consideration. A short review of the CT scan findings and diagnostic and therapeutic considerations in a case of widespread radionecrosis is presented. The need for appropriate diagnosis and subsequent life-saving management is emphasized.
D000328:Adult; D001927:Brain Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000532:radiotherapy; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009336:Necrosis; D009837:Oligodendroglioma / Q000473:pathology* / Q000532:radiotherapy; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed