Multiple cysts in the cerebral white matter: a rare complication of whole brain radiation therapy.
We describe a patient with multiple cysts in the cerebral white matter, several years after whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT) for a solitary cerebellar metastasis of a lung carcinoma. MR images of the brain show diffuse white matter changes, 1 year after radiation, and cyst formation in the white matter, starting 3.5 years later. We conclude that cysts in the cerebral white matter can be a late stage of white matter damage after whole brain radiation therapy in long-term survivors with brain metastases.
Brandsma
D
D
Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Utrecht, The Netherlands. d.brandsma@neuro.azu.nl
van Helvoirt
R
R
Taphoorn
M J
MJ
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000556:secondary; D000328:Adult; D001921:Brain / Q000473:pathology / Q000528:radiation effects; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000556:secondary; D020863:Central Nervous System Cysts / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D002528:Cerebellar Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology; D009682:Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; D009381:Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects