OBJECTIVE: Our goal was to assess medullary lesions in patients suffering from chronic progressive radiation myelopathy (CPRM) using MRI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a group of 10 patients suffering from CPRM, MRI findings (11 examinations), radiation protocols, and patient prognoses were reviewed. RESULTS: A cord enlargement was demonstrated in five cases, whereas four cases presented with medullary atrophy. As demonstrated by MRI, radiation-induced medullary lesions progressed toward cord atrophy in one patient. When MRI and/or comparison myelogram were performed within 8 months following the onset of the myelopathy, a cord enlargement was usually encountered. When the patient was evaluated > 8 months after the first neurological symptoms, a cord atrophy was always demonstrated. Medullary lesions extended beyond the boundaries of the radiation field in 67% of the cases. However, with the exception of one case, the main focus of the cord damage was included within an irradiated cord segment. An enlarged cord was often associated with a neurologic deterioration and a fatal outcome. In patients with cord atrophy, the neurologic deficit was often static and survival rates were better. CONCLUSION: These results suggest a revision of classic criteria used for the diagnosis of CPRM. By demonstrating cord lesions, MRI helps to establish disease prognosis.
OBJECTIVE: Our goal was to assess medullary lesions in patients suffering from chronic progressive radiation myelopathy (CPRM) using MRI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a group of 10 patients suffering from CPRM, MRI findings (11 examinations), radiation protocols, and patient prognoses were reviewed. RESULTS: A cord enlargement was demonstrated in five cases, whereas four cases presented with medullary atrophy. As demonstrated by MRI, radiation-induced medullary lesions progressed toward cord atrophy in one patient. When MRI and/or comparison myelogram were performed within 8 months following the onset of the myelopathy, a cord enlargement was usually encountered. When the patient was evaluated > 8 months after the first neurological symptoms, a cord atrophy was always demonstrated. Medullary lesions extended beyond the boundaries of the radiation field in 67% of the cases. However, with the exception of one case, the main focus of the cord damage was included within an irradiated cord segment. An enlarged cord was often associated with a neurologic deterioration and a fatal outcome. In patients with cord atrophy, the neurologic deficit was often static and survival rates were better. CONCLUSION: These results suggest a revision of classic criteria used for the diagnosis of CPRM. By demonstrating cord lesions, MRI helps to establish disease prognosis.
Authors: M E P Philippens; G Gambarota; J A Pikkemaat; W J M Peeters; A J van der Kogel; A Heerschap Journal: MAGMA Date: 2004-12-21 Impact factor: 2.310
Authors: M Khan; P Ambady; D Kimbrough; T Shoemaker; S Terezakis; J Blakeley; S D Newsome; I Izbudak Journal: AJNR Am J Neuroradiol Date: 2018-05-17 Impact factor: 3.825