Treatment of delayed radiation necrosis of the brain. A clinical observation.
The authors report two cases of delayed radiation necrosis of the brain. In these cases a dramatic clinical and computerized tomographic improvement was noted after the institution of anticoagulant therapy. Based on a review of the literature, a possible causal mechanism is suggested. It was believed from both the clinical observation and the literature review that the anticoagulant agents had a direct effect upon the improvement in these patients. Laboratory data are needed to determine the role of anticoagulant therapy in the treatment of delayed radiation necrosis of the brain.
D000328:Adult; D001927:Brain Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy; D002277:Carcinoma / Q000532:radiotherapy; D005260:Female; D005910:Glioma / Q000532:radiotherapy; D006493:Heparin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009336:Necrosis; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D013964:Thyroid Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014859:Warfarin / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D014859:Warfarin; D006493:Heparin