Radiation therapy for sarcoid of the thalamus/posterior third ventricle: case report

Neurosurgery. 1995 Jun;36(6):1188-91. doi: 10.1227/00006123-199506000-00020.

Abstract

There are a limited number of previously reported cases involving the use of radiation therapy for sarcoid of the brain. The case of a 22-year-old man with a thalamic/posterior third ventricle sarcoid mass that grew despite steroid medication is presented. The patient was treated with external beam radiation to a total dose of 20 Gy, with 2-Gy fractions over 14 elapsed days. A complete radiographic response was achieved 4 months after radiation was completed. Radiographic follow-up through 8 months postradiation shows no evidence of disease recurrence. Fractionated radiation therapy in low-to-moderate doses appears to be efficacious in steroid-refractory sarcoid of the brain.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cerebral Ventricles* / pathology
  • Cerebral Ventricles* / radiation effects
  • Cranial Irradiation*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Radiotherapy Dosage
  • Sarcoidosis / diagnosis
  • Sarcoidosis / pathology
  • Sarcoidosis / radiotherapy*
  • Thalamic Diseases / diagnosis
  • Thalamic Diseases / pathology
  • Thalamic Diseases / radiotherapy*
  • Thalamus / pathology
  • Thalamus / radiation effects