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Intracranial aneurysm formation following radiotherapy
A T Casey1, H T Marsh, D Uttley
1Department of Neurosurgery, Atkinson Morley's Hospital, Wimbledon, London, UK.
British Journal of Neurosurgery
|January 1, 1993
Summary
Radiation therapy can lead to delayed subarachnoid hemorrhage from brain aneurysms. This study reports two cases of radiation-induced vasculopathy causing aneurysms and subsequent subarachnoid hemorrhage in patients treated for brain tumors and angiomas.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neurosurgery
- Radiation Oncology
Background:
- Radiation-induced vasculopathy is a known complication of radiotherapy.
- Aneurysms can develop secondary to radiation-induced vascular changes.
- Subarachnoid hemorrhage is a serious complication that can arise from ruptured aneurysms.
Observation:
- Two patients developed subarachnoid hemorrhage years after radiotherapy for brain conditions.
- One patient had an astrocytoma treated with focused radiotherapy, developing a giant middle cerebral artery aneurysm.
- The second patient had an angioma treated with whole brain irradiation, developing a distal middle cerebral artery aneurysm.
Findings:
- Both patients presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage attributed to radiation-induced vasculopathy and associated aneurysms.
- The aneurysms were confirmed via angiography and were surgically treated with craniotomy.
- Both patients experienced favorable outcomes following surgical intervention.
Implications:
- Radiotherapy for brain conditions may increase the long-term risk of developing intracranial aneurysms.
- Vigilant monitoring for aneurysm formation is crucial in patients with a history of cranial radiation.
- Understanding this association can inform clinical management and patient counseling regarding potential delayed complications of radiotherapy.