A brief case series of radiation associated myelopathy

Abstract

Radiation myelopathy (RM) is a rare but serious complication of radiotherapy. Small vessel ischemia and demyelination are some of the more remarkable indications of RM’s pathophysiology. The RM is a diagnosis of exclusion. In the differential diagnosis, infectious causes, tumors, rheumatic diseases, and paraneoplastic syndromes are the main diseases that should be excluded. Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a useful method for diagnosis. We present a report on 3 patients diagnosed with radiation myelitis. All the patients presented with late paraparasia and paresthesia. Despite high-dose steroids, hyperbaric oxygen, and physical therapy, there was no clinical improvement at the follow-up one year later.