Radiation necrosis of the pons after radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma: Diagnosis and treatment

Authors

  • Matthew Nicholas DeSalvo

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3941/jrcr.v6i7.1108

Keywords:

Radiation necrosis, pons, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, MR spectroscopy, bevacizumab

Abstract

We report a case of radiation necrosis in an unusual location, the pons, in a patient who had received chemoradiation for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) over one year prior to presentation. This patient presented with subacute onset of ataxic hemiparesis and slurred speech. Initial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies showed two 1-2cm peripherally contrast-enhancing lesions in the pons with extensive surrounding edema. Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) played a key role in narrowing the differential diagnosis to radiation necrosis. The patient underwent biweekly bevacizumab therapy and has remained clinically stable with radiologic improvement of his lesion. In addition to this case, we present an overview of the use of advanced neuroimaging in distinguishing radiation necrosis of the central nervous system (CNS) from other entities as well as the role of bevacizumab in treatment.

Published

2012-06-23

Issue

Section

Neuroradiology