Intermediate
Technical
IVT
radionecrosis
Pronunciation: RAY-dee-oh-neh-KROH-sis
Tissue death resulting from radiation damage, typically occurring months to years after treatment.
Full Definition
Radionecrosis is a delayed radiation effect characterized by tissue death due to radiation-induced vascular damage and cellular injury. It most commonly affects brain tissue following cranial irradiation but can occur in any irradiated organ. The condition results from progressive vascular damage leading to tissue hypoxia and eventual necrosis. Radionecrosis can be difficult to distinguish from tumor recurrence on imaging studies. Risk factors include high radiation doses, large fraction sizes, and concurrent chemotherapy.
In Context
- "MRI findings were concerning for radionecrosis versus tumor recurrence." — Radiology report
- "The risk of radionecrosis increases with doses exceeding 60 Gy." — Clinical literature
Also known as
radiation necrosis
tissue necrosis
Don't confuse with
tumor progression
pseudoprogression