[Radiation myelopathy-two cases with unusual development (author transl)]

J Neurol. 1977 Aug 18;216(1):73-6. doi: 10.1007/BF00312819.
[Article in German]

Abstract

This is a report of two women who experienced radiation myelopathy 2,5 and 9 months after telecobalt radiation. Tetraplegia and paralysis of the inspiratory muscles developed rapidly in the first case whereas in the second case the paralysis and the initial Brown-Sequard syndrome improved after treatment with corticosteroids and infusion of Rheomacrodex and Sorbit. It should be stressed that in both cases the radiation stress on the spinal cord was under the limit of tolerance of 3300 to 4000 R. The differential diagnosis of radiation myelopathy from spinal metastasis is most important because the treatment is different for each conditions.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Cobalt Radioisotopes / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Hemiplegia / etiology
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Quadriplegia / etiology
  • Radiation Injuries / complications
  • Radiation Injuries / diagnosis*
  • Radiotherapy / adverse effects*
  • Sensation
  • Spinal Cord / radiation effects*
  • Syndrome

Substances

  • Cobalt Radioisotopes