Radiation myelopathy of the lumbo-sacral spinal cord

Abstract

The clinical findings in four cases of radiation injury to the lumbosacral spinal cord and cauda equina, occuring after radiotherapy of malignant testicular tumours with radiation doses of 1597-1670 ret, are reported. The main feature in each case was a flaccid paraparesis, without sensory loss in three cases, while one patient presented a doubtful sensory deficit. Symptoms of sphincter dysfunction were absent. In all cases the symptoms caused a marked and persistent incapacity. It is suggested that the principal site of radiation injury is the proximal parts of the lower motor neuron.