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[Late paralyses of peripheral nerves after radiotherapy]
Psychiatrie, Neurologie, Und Medizinische Psychologie
|June 1, 1982
Summary
Radiation therapy can cause late-onset nerve damage, primarily affecting the brachial plexus, accessory, and femoral nerves. This risk increases with repeated radiation courses and megavolt therapy, linked to radiation-induced fibrosis and vasculopathy.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Oncology
- Radiotherapy
Background:
- Peripheral nerve damage can occur as a late complication of radiation therapy.
- Understanding the mechanisms and risk factors for these lesions is crucial for patient management.
Observation:
- The study analyzed eleven cases in 10 patients experiencing late paresis after radiation.
- Affected nerves included the brachial plexus (9 cases), accessory nerve (1 case), and femoral nerve (1 case).
Findings:
- Radiation-induced fibrosis and vasculopathy in the nerve's surrounding environment are the primary causes of these lesions.
- Multiple radiation series significantly elevate the risk of developing radiogenic paresis.
- The increasing use of megavolt therapy may further increase the incidence of radiogenic nerve damage.
Implications:
- Clinicians should be aware of the potential for delayed peripheral nerve dysfunction following radiotherapy.
- Risk stratification and monitoring may be necessary for patients undergoing extensive or repeated radiation treatments.
- Further research into preventative strategies and management of radiation-induced nerve injury is warranted.