66. Late effects of CNS prophylactic irradiation in childhood due to LLA using Magnetic Resonance Spectro-skopy. (preliminary report)

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) of the brain in survivars with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia to assess neurotixicity follow profilactic brain irradiation.

Methods

Ten from 100 patients with LLA treated in Department of Pediatric Hematology from 1990 to 1995 and irradiated in Centre of Oncology were icluded in MRI and MRS studies. The study group included 6 male and 4 female. All patients had been irradiated for brain using fraction dose of 1,8 Gy up to total dose of 18 Gy and had recived MTX based chemotherapy in doses depending on level of risk. Two of them were included in low risk and eight in intermediate risk.

Results

MRI of brain was abnormal in 5 cases. There were mild white matter changes.

The changes were Been in H- MRS metabolite ratios. In one of these cases we observed a impair of verbal functions.

Conclusions

The MRS could be valuable method to access brain tissue metabolism after radiotherapy. That noninvasive method may be recomended for children with LLA to observe neurotoxicity of profilactic irradiation.