Bilateral diaphragmatic weakness: a late complication of radiotherapy

Thorax. 1997 Sep;52(9):829-31. doi: 10.1136/thx.52.9.829.

Abstract

Brachial plexus neuropathy is an unfortunate complication that sometimes follows radiotherapy to the axillary and supraclavicular regions. A patient is described who, 30 years after radiotherapy for Hodgkin's disease and more than 10 years after the development of radiation-induced bilateral brachial plexus neuropathy, presented with bilateral diaphragmatic weakness secondary to bilateral phrenic nerve weakness. Previous radiotherapy was the most probable cause of the condition.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Brachial Plexus / radiation effects
  • Diaphragm / physiopathology*
  • Female
  • Hodgkin Disease / radiotherapy
  • Humans
  • Phrenic Nerve / radiation effects*
  • Radiation Injuries / complications*
  • Radiotherapy / adverse effects
  • Respiratory Paralysis / etiology*
  • Respiratory Paralysis / physiopathology
  • Time Factors