| Literature DB >> 3362369 |
J G Cairncross1, D R Macdonald, J H Pexman, F J Ives.
Abstract
The magnitude and time course of steroid-induced CT changes were analyzed in 11 patients with recurrent malignant glioma. CTs were obtained before and at regular intervals after starting dexamethasone (16 mg/d). Midline shift, ventricular compression, edema, enhancement intensity, and the size of the enhancing mass often improved with steroid treatment. Improvement occurred within 2 weeks in most instances. Changes in the volume of the enhancing tumor were assessed quantitatively in eight patients. In six, the mass was smaller after 2 weeks of steroid therapy, and in two the reduction approached 50%. Steroid-induced CT changes can mimic treatment responses. If steroids are necessary for symptom control, patients should be taking these medications for 2 weeks before a baseline CT is obtained and investigational treatment started.Entities:
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Year: 1988 PMID: 3362369 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.38.5.724
Source DB: PubMed Journal: Neurology ISSN: 0028-3878 Impact factor: 9.910