Radiation necrosis of the brain after radiosurgery for vestibular schwannoma

Objective: The objective of this study was to obtain a better understanding of radiation-induced brain necrosis after stereotactic radiation therapy for vestibular schwannomas. Study design: We conducted a retrospective case analysis. Setting: The study took place at a tertiary referral center. Patients: We report on the case of a patient treated with stereotactic radiation who developed radiation-induced necrosis of the ipsilateral temporal lobe. Intervention: The various interventions in patients with radiation-induced necrosis include steroid treatment, decompression, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy; these are discussed briefly in this article. Owing to the limited symptoms in our patient, she was observed. Main outcome measure: The outcome measure that we evaluated was radiation-induced necrosis of the brain after stereotactic radiation therapy for a vestibular schwannoma. Results: Patients who undergo stereotactic radiation therapy for vestibular schwannomas are at risk for radiation-induced brain necrosis. Conclusion: We support the development of a national database that would track the long-term complications of stereotactic radiation therapy to help patients make a more informed decision for the treatment of their vestibular schwannomas. (c) 2007 Published by Elsevier Inc.