[Radiogenic amyotrophy. Cauda equina lesion as a late radiation sequela].
OBJECTIVE
Course and pathophysiology of a typical syndrome after irradiation of the cauda equina were studied.


METHODS
7 patients with irradiation damage of the cauda equina were examined clinically and neurophysiologically.


RESULTS
After a mean delay of 5 years and 6 months all patients developed an ascending lower motor neuron weakness of the legs without pain, in part accompanied with mild sensory and sphincter symptoms. Electromyography, evoked potentials and neurography were important for the differential diagnosis to tumor infiltration. The course was progredient.


CONCLUSIONS
For a long time, the underlaying damage was thought to be in the anterior horn cell body. The course of the studied patients with additional sensory and vegetative symptoms implies for a direct bilateral damage of the cauda equina. A better term for the syndrome is "post-irradiation cauda-equina-syndrome".
Wohlgemuth
W A
WA
Klinik für Neurologie, Neurophysiologie, Zentralklinikum, Augsburg.
Rottach
K
K
Jaenke
G
G
Stöhr
M
M
D000328:Adult; D002420:Cauda Equina / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000528:radiation effects*; D004576:Electromyography / Q000528:radiation effects; D005073:Evoked Potentials, Somatosensory / Q000502:physiology / Q000528:radiation effects; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D010264:Paraplegia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D010523:Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D011930:Reaction Time / Q000502:physiology / Q000528:radiation effects; D009435:Synaptic Transmission / Q000502:physiology / Q000528:radiation effects