Neuroimaging findings of the post-treatment effects of radiation and chemotherapy of malignant primary glial neoplasms

Neuroradiol J. 2013 Aug;26(4):396-412. doi: 10.1177/197140091302600405. Epub 2013 Aug 27.

Abstract

Post-treatment radiation and chemotherapy of malignant primary glial neoplasms present a wide spectrum of tumor appearances and treatment-related entities. Radiologic findings of these post-treatment effects overlap, making it difficult to distinguish treatment response and failure. The purposes of this article are to illustrate and contrast the imaging appearances of recurrent tumor from necrosis and to discuss other radiologic effects of cancer treatments. It is critical for radiologists to recognize these treatment-related effects to help direct clinical management.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Brain Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Brain Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Chemoradiotherapy / adverse effects*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Disease Progression
  • Female
  • Glioma / pathology*
  • Glioma / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy / methods
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Necrosis / etiology
  • Necrosis / pathology
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / pathology
  • Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced / pathology
  • Young Adult