Radiation-Induced Spinal Cord Cavernous Malformations Associated with Medulloblastoma: Case Report and Review of the Literature.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Radiation-induced spinal cord cavernous malformations (CMs) are rare pathologies compared with radiation-induced cerebral CMs. We present a case of a radiation-induced spinal cord CM developed 31 years after radiation therapy for medulloblastoma. CASE DESCRIPTION A 37-year-old man developed a symptomatic spinal hemorrhagic lesion 31 years after radiation therapy for medulloblastoma. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an intramedullary cystic lesion with a fluid-fluid level in the C7 area. Surgery was performed leading to an unclear diagnosis. Two years later, the patient had a relapse and underwent a second operation, allowing a definitive diagnosis of radiation-induced spinal cord CM. This is believed to be the second case of de novo intramedullary CM formation following spinal radiation therapy for medulloblastoma. CONCLUSIONS: Radiation-induced spinal cord CMs should be recognized as a possible late adverse effect in patients treated with radiation therapy for medulloblastoma.