Arch Neurol 2003 Feb;60(2):273-5
Murphy CB, Hashimoto SA, Graeb D, Thiessen BA.
Division of Neurology, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Department of
Medical Oncology, 600 W 10th Ave, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 4E6,
Canada.
BACKGROUND:
Radiation of the central nervous system in patients with demyelinating disease may have deleterious effects.
OBJECTIVE:
To describe a 30-year-old woman with multiple sclerosis who developed an attack of demyelination 2 months following radiotherapy for a parotid malignancy.
RESULTS:
Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated new hyperintense lesions that corresponded to both the localization of the patient's symptoms and to the area defined by the 50% isodose radiation field.
CONCLUSION:
Radiation treatment likely triggered an exacerbation of multiple sclerosis.