Stroke-like migraine attacks after radiation therapy (SMART) syndrome is not always completely reversible: a case series

AJNR Am J Neuroradiol. 2013 Dec;34(12):2298-303. doi: 10.3174/ajnr.A3602. Epub 2013 Jun 20.

Abstract

We retrospectively reviewed clinical and imaging findings in 11 patients with stroke-like migraine attacks after radiation therapy (SMART) syndrome to better understand this disorder previously thought to be reversible. Six men and 5 women had complex bouts of neurologic impairment beginning, on average, 20 years after cerebral irradiation. All had characteristic, unilateral gyriform enhancement on MR imaging that developed within 2-7 days and typically resolved in 2-5 weeks. Unlike prior reports, 45% had incomplete neurologic recovery manifesting as dysphasia, cognitive impairment, or hemiparesis. The remaining 55% recovered completely over an average of 2 months. Three of 11 patients developed cortical laminar necrosis. Brain biopsies in 4 of 11 did not demonstrate a specific pathologic substrate. These additional 11 patients contribute to the understanding of variability in stroke-like migraine attacks after radiation therapy syndrome, which often but not uniformly manifests with headaches and seizures, demonstrates a typical evolution of imaging findings, and may result in permanent neurologic and imaging sequelae.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Brain Injuries / diagnosis*
  • Brain Injuries / etiology
  • Brain Neoplasms / complications
  • Brain Neoplasms / radiotherapy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Migraine Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Migraine Disorders / etiology
  • Prognosis
  • Radiation Injuries / diagnosis*
  • Radiation Injuries / etiology
  • Radiotherapy / adverse effects*
  • Recovery of Function
  • Remission Induction
  • Stroke / diagnosis*
  • Stroke / etiology
  • Syndrome
  • Treatment Outcome