Late post-irradiation necrosis of the brain

Three examples of late post-irradiation brain necrosis are reported. In two cases operation was performed on account of the space-occupying effects of the lesions, and in the third case the lesion was found postmortem. The aetiology and pathology of the condition are discussed. Our findings in the three cases described are contrasted with those in 29 patients who had been submitted to similar doses of irradiation, but had not developed necrosis. The literature on pathogenesis is briefly reviewed. (auth.)