A Case of Necrosis of the Brain Following Roentgen Irradiation

ABSTRACT

A case of postirradiation necrosis of the brain, clinically simulating neoplasm, is reported. A 29 years old male underwent a surgery with a partial removal of chromophobe adenoma of the pituitary gland postoperatively received deep radiation therapy with CO60. A total dose of 4,500 r. was given in 35 days. Approximately six months after the irradiation, the patient became confused and complained of frontal headache in association with signs of increased intracranial pressure and of intracranial dynamic mass lesion. Cerebral angiography and C-T scanning demonstrated findings of a large mass in the right temporal region. At operation done nine months after his initial craniotomy, tissue of the mass appeared to be a glioma and large blocks of tissue were resected. Histologically it was verified to be necrosis of the brain.