Early CT findings after interstitial radiation therapy for primary malignant brain tumors

• Published in: American journal of neuroradiology : AJNR 1988-11, Vol.9 (6), p.1177-1180
• Main Authors: Tolly, TL, Bruckman, JE, Czarnecki, DJ, Frazin, LJ, Lewis, HJ, Richards, MJ, Adamkiewicz, JJ, Jr
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Biological and medical sciences; Brachytherapy - adverse effects; Brain Neoplasms - diagnostic imaging; Brain Neoplasms - radiotherapy; Female; Glioblastoma - diagnostic imaging; Glioblastoma - radiotherapy; Humans; Investigative techniques, diagnostic techniques (general aspects); Iridium Radioisotopes - administration & dosage; Iridium Radioisotopes - therapeutic use; Male; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local - diagnostic imaging; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local - radiotherapy; Nervous system; Radiodiagnosis. Nmr imagery. Nmr spectrometry; Retrospective Studies; Time Factors; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
• ISSN: 0195-6108; 1936-959X

The CT findings after interstitial radiation therapy for brain tumors have not been extensively described. We evaluated retrospectively the CT scans of 13 patients who were treated with brachytherapy for malignant glioma. We found no typical CT appearance that differentiates recurrent tumor from radiation effect. After undergoing brachytherapy, eight of the 13 patients scanned demonstrated enhancement of brain tissue beyond the margins of the original enhancing tumor mass. In most cases, the pattern of enhancement diminished and extended more peripherally from the central necrotic area with time. We also report a new CT finding of focal calcification developing at the site of the radioactive implant.