Optic neuropathy following radiotherapy for Cushing's disease: case report and literature review.

Abstract

Radiation-induced optic neuropathy is a rare adverse effect of radiotherapy applied for the treatment of pituitary adenomas. We report a patient with a recurrent adrenocorticotrophin secreting pituitary adenoma who received external beam irradiation after failing surgical and medical therapy. Sixteen months after radiotherapy, the patient was presented with declining visual acuity, and radiation-induced optic neuropathy was diagnosed. Despite treatment with glucocorticoids and hyperbaric oxygen, her vision did not improve. The pathophysiology, prevention and treatment of radiation-induced optic neuropathy, including the efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen therapy are reviewed.

• Authors: Nikiforos Ballian, Ioannis I Androulakis, Klio Chatzistefanou, Christianna Samara, Konstantinos Tsiveriotis, Gregory A Kaltsas
• Journal: Hormones (Athens, Greece) (Hormones (Athens)) 2010 Jul-Sep Vol. 9 Issue 3 Pg. 269-73 ISSN: 1109-3099 [Print] Switzerland
• PMID: 20688625 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Glucocorticoids

Topics

• ACTH-Secreting Pituitary Adenoma (complications, radiotherapy)
• Adenoma (complications, radiotherapy)
• Combined Modality Therapy
• Female
• Glucocorticoids (therapeutic use)
• Humans
• Hyperbaric Oxygenation
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• Middle Aged
• Optic Nerve Diseases (etiology, pathology, physiopathology, therapy)
• Pituitary ACTH Hypersecretion (etiology, radiotherapy)
• Radiation Injuries (etiology, pathology, physiopathology, therapy)
• Radiotherapy (adverse effects)
• Treatment Failure
• Visual Acuity (radiation effects)