Radiation-induced temporary alopecia after embolization of cerebral arteriovenous malformations.
Alopecia after endovascular embolization of cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) is uncommon. In this report, we present a 33-year-old man who developed temporary alopecia after staged embolization of a cerebral AVM. Four days after the last procedure, this patient had hair loss over his right temporoparietal and occipial areas. No scalp erythema or other sign of dermatitis was noted. The hair regrew 2 months later. The alopecia was considered to be related to repeated exposure to radiation during embolization. The experience in this case and review of the literature suggest that interventional neuroradiological procedures may cause substantial radiation exposure to the patient. Therefore, radiation use should be limited to the least amount necessary to complete the endovascular procedure to prevent radiation-induced biological changes and morbidity. Patients should be well informed of adverse effects such as alopecia.
Wen
Chung-Shi
CS
Department of Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, 7 Chung-Shan S. Rd., 10016, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.
Lin
Swei-Ming
SM
Chen
Yun
Y
Chen
Jin-Cherng
JC
Wang
Yao-Hung
YH
Tseng
Sheng-Hong
SH
D000328:Adult; D000505:Alopecia / Q000209:etiology*; D002533:Cerebral Angiography; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic / Q000009:adverse effects*; D018859:Hair Follicle / Q000528:radiation effects*; D006801:Humans; D002538:Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformations / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D011832:Radiation Injuries; D015641:Radiography, Interventional / Q000009:adverse effects