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Radiation necrosis: cystic change

Case contributed by Frank Gaillard
Diagnosis almost certain
  • Note: This case has been tagged as "legacy" as it no longer meets image preparation and/or other case publication guidelines.

MRI through the temporal lobes demonstrates bilateral cystic regions of variable signal intensity. On the right the lesion is similar to CSF on all sequences, whereas on the left the content is high T2, intermediate T1 and does not attenuate on FLAIR. Both sides demonstrate peripheral signal drop out suggesting hemosiderin deposition. There is little if any peripheral enhancement, and no restricted diffusion.

Case Discussion

This patient has a past history of nasopharyngeal carcinoma treated with surgery and radiation. The findings are consistent with bilateral radiation necrosis with cystic change.

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