Brain calcifications and dementia in children treated with radiotherapy and intrathecal methotrexate

In the last five years we observed 8 young patients aged under 15 years, in whom the basal ganglia were calcified after application of methotrexate and/or radiotherapy for treatment of a brain or cerebellar tumor. In both patients leukoencephalopathy was evident besides calcification of the basal ganglia and, in one, the ventricles were enlarged and he had also signs of cerebral and cerebellar atrophy. In the production of leukoencephalopathies and calcifications by chemo- and radiotherapy, the age is a very important factor. In adult patients it is exceptional to see them. Brain immaturity is probably associated with the presence of leukoencephalopathy and intracranial calcifications.