Six-year follow-up of a case of radiation injury following treatment for medulloblastoma

Abstract

Recent reports in the literature have documented long-term sequelae of radiation treatment in children, the most notable of which are diminished endocrine functioning and decline in intellectual ability. A case is presented in which both these long-term effects were seen 7 years after radiation treatment for medulloblastoma. Growth hormone and thyroid hormone deficiencies were identified and treated. Full-Scale IQ dropped from the 79th percentile to the 3rd percentile, and neuropsychological functioning ranged from normal to impaired. However, magnetic resonance imaging reveals few direct imaging correlates of J.M.'s neuropsychological deficits. If identified, hormone deficiencies in such patients can be successfully treated; intellectual deficits may present more of a management problem. In this case, cognitive deficits have contributed to considerable difficulty in school; however, with special classes and modifications, the patient is making progress. Our findings indicate that the long-term outcome for children with radiation injury may be improved significantly with hormone therapy and appropriate academic intervention, and argue strongly for systematic, sequential follow-up of such children so that appropriate intervention can be implemented and continued as necessary.