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Ota Y, Liao E, Shah G, Srinivasan A, Capizzano AA. Comprehensive Update and Review of Clinical and Imaging Features of SMART Syndrome. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2023; 44:626-633. [PMID: 37142432 PMCID: PMC10249687 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a7859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Stroke-like migraine attacks after radiation therapy (SMART) syndrome is a delayed complication of cranial irradiation, with subacute onset of stroke-like symptoms including seizures, visual disturbance, speech impairment, unilateral hemianopsia, facial droop, and aphasia, often associated with migraine-type headache. The diagnostic criteria were initially proposed in 2006. However, the diagnosis of SMART syndrome is challenging because clinical symptoms and imaging features of SMART syndrome are indeterminate and overlap with tumor recurrence and other neurologic diseases, which may result in inappropriate clinical management and unnecessary invasive diagnostic procedures. Recently, various imaging features and treatment recommendations for SMART syndrome have been reported. Radiologists and clinicians should be familiar with updates on clinical and imaging features of this delayed radiation complication because recognition of this entity can facilitate proper clinical work-up and management. This review provides current updates and a comprehensive overview of the clinical and imaging features of SMART syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Ota
- From The Division of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - E Liao
- From The Division of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - G Shah
- From The Division of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - A Srinivasan
- From The Division of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - A A Capizzano
- From The Division of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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2
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Blakstad H, Wohlleben C, Saxhaug C, Brandal P. SMART syndrome: two cases highlighting a complex and rare complication of brain irradiation. BMJ Case Rep 2022; 15:e249599. [PMID: 36167430 PMCID: PMC9516215 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2022-249599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Stroke-like migraine attacks after radiation therapy (SMART) syndrome is a rare complication of radiotherapy with complex neurological impairment. Patients present with neurological symptoms and signs such as migraine, hemianopsia, hemiplegia, aphasia and/or seizures-without recurrence of neoplastic disease. In this report, we describe SMART syndrome in two adult patients 4 and 14 years following brain irradiation, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanne Blakstad
- Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | | | | | - Petter Brandal
- Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Institute for Cancer Genetics and Informatics, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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Cirjan C, Jamal A, Mercier P, Berkovich R, Navalkele P. A Case of Postoperative SMART Syndrome in a Medulloblastoma Survivor. JOURNAL OF CHILD SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1740466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
AbstractStroke-like migraine attacks after radiation therapy (SMART) syndrome is a rare neurological phenomenon characterized by reversible symptoms of headache, seizure, hemiparesis, and visual changes associated with a remote history of cranial irradiation. We describe a case of a medulloblastoma survivor, presenting with postoperative neurological deficits, along with neuroimaging findings and subsequent resolution of symptoms, highly suggestive of SMART syndrome. We have also reviewed the common epidemiological and diagnostic factors associated with this rare disease, as well as discussed pathophysiological mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristian Cirjan
- Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - Ali Jamal
- Department of Neurology, Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - Philippe Mercier
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - Rachel Berkovich
- Department of Radiology, Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - Pournima Navalkele
- Division of Hematology Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States
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Branfield Day L, Rajendram P, Kalia LV, Gold WL. An Intelligent Diagnosis: SMART Syndrome. Am J Med 2021; 134:863-865. [PMID: 33444593 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2020.11.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Phavalan Rajendram
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Ont, Canada; Division of Neurology
| | - Lorraine V Kalia
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Ont, Canada; Division of Neurology
| | - Wayne L Gold
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Ont, Canada; Divisions of General Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, University Health Network, Toronto, Ont, Canada
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Ota Y, Leung D, Moritani T, Capizzano AA. Atypical imaging findings of presumed stroke-like migraine attacks after radiation therapy syndrome in the brainstem. Neuroradiology 2021; 63:1377-1381. [PMID: 33694026 DOI: 10.1007/s00234-021-02684-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The authors present an atypical case of presumed stroke-like migraine attacks after radiation therapy (SMART) syndrome in the brainstem. A 29-year-old male, who had been treated with resection and subsequent craniospinal radiation for posterior fossa medulloblastoma 21 years before, presented with subacute progressive left hemiparesis evolving over 4 days. Hematological findings, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and electroencephalogram (EEG) were unremarkable. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a round area of hyperintense FLAIR signal centered within the pons associated with central restricted diffusion, peripheral enhancement, and small paramagnetic low susceptibility signal foci consistent with petechial hemorrhage. Positron emission tomography (PET), perfusion MRI, and MR spectroscopy revealed no evidence of tumor recurrence. The diagnosis of SMART syndrome is presumed from the conventional and advanced imaging findings, clinical history, and clinical course.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiaki Ota
- Division of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology, University of Michigan, 1500 E Medical Center Dr, UH B2, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
| | - Denise Leung
- Division of Neuro-oncology, Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, 1500 E Medical Center Dr, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Toshio Moritani
- Division of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology, University of Michigan, 1500 E Medical Center Dr, UH B2, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Aristides A Capizzano
- Division of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology, University of Michigan, 1500 E Medical Center Dr, UH B2, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
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Katsura M, Sato J, Akahane M, Furuta T, Mori H, Abe O. Recognizing Radiation-induced Changes in the Central Nervous System: Where to Look and What to Look For. Radiographics 2020; 41:224-248. [PMID: 33216673 DOI: 10.1148/rg.2021200064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Radiation therapy (RT) continues to play a central role as an effective therapeutic modality for a variety of tumors and vascular malformations in the central nervous system. Although the planning and delivery techniques of RT have evolved substantially during the past few decades, the structures surrounding the target lesion are inevitably exposed to radiation. A wide variety of radiation-induced changes may be observed at posttreatment imaging, which may be confusing when interpreting images. Histopathologically, radiation can have deleterious effects on the vascular endothelial cells as well as on neuroglial cells and their precursors. In addition, radiation induces oxidative stress and inflammation, leading to a cycle of further cellular toxic effects and tissue damage. On the basis of the time of expression, radiation-induced injury can be divided into three phases: acute, early delayed, and late delayed. Acute and early delayed injuries are usually transient and reversible, whereas late delayed injuries are generally irreversible. The authors provide a comprehensive review of the timeline and expected imaging appearances after RT, including the characteristic imaging features after RT with concomitant chemotherapy. Specific topics discussed are imaging features that help distinguish expected posttreatment changes from recurrent disease, followed by a discussion on the role of advanced imaging techniques. Knowledge of the RT plan, the amount of normal structures included, the location of the target lesion, and the amount of time elapsed since RT is highly important at follow-up imaging, and the reporting radiologist should be able to recognize the characteristic imaging features after RT and differentiate these findings from tumor recurrence. ©RSNA, 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaki Katsura
- From the Department of Radiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan (M.K., J.S., T.F., H.M., O.A.); and Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, International University of Health and Welfare, Chiba, Japan (M.A.)
| | - Jiro Sato
- From the Department of Radiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan (M.K., J.S., T.F., H.M., O.A.); and Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, International University of Health and Welfare, Chiba, Japan (M.A.)
| | - Masaaki Akahane
- From the Department of Radiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan (M.K., J.S., T.F., H.M., O.A.); and Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, International University of Health and Welfare, Chiba, Japan (M.A.)
| | - Toshihiro Furuta
- From the Department of Radiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan (M.K., J.S., T.F., H.M., O.A.); and Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, International University of Health and Welfare, Chiba, Japan (M.A.)
| | - Harushi Mori
- From the Department of Radiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan (M.K., J.S., T.F., H.M., O.A.); and Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, International University of Health and Welfare, Chiba, Japan (M.A.)
| | - Osamu Abe
- From the Department of Radiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan (M.K., J.S., T.F., H.M., O.A.); and Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, International University of Health and Welfare, Chiba, Japan (M.A.)
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Koksel Y, McKinney A. Potentially Reversible and Recognizable Acute Encephalopathic Syndromes: Disease Categorization and MRI Appearances. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2020; 41:1328-1338. [PMID: 32616580 PMCID: PMC7658879 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a6634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 04/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
"Encephalopathy" is a vague term that encompasses varying definitions, often with a nonspecific clinical presentation and numerous possible pathophysiologic causes. Hence, MR imaging plays a crucial role in the early diagnosis and treatment by identifying imaging patterns when there is limited clinical history in such patients with acute encephalopathy. The aim of this review was to aid in remembrance of etiologies of potentially reversible acute encephalopathic syndromes on MR imaging. The differential includes vascular (reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome, transient global amnesia, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and thrombotic microangiopathy), infection (meningitis, encephalitis), toxic (posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome, acute toxic leukoencephalopathy; carbon monoxide, alcohol-related, medication- and illicit drug-related toxic encephalopathies), autoimmune, metabolic (osmotic demyelination syndrome, uremic, acute hepatic encephalopathy), idiopathic/inflammatory (stroke-like migraine attacks after radiation therapy syndrome), neoplasm-related encephalopathy, and seizure-related encephalopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y. Koksel
- From the Department of Radiology (Y.K.), Division of Neuroradiology, University of Minnesota Medical Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - A.M. McKinney
- Department of Radiology (A.M.M.), University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
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8
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Stroke-like migraine attacks after radiation therapy (SMART) syndrome—a case series and review. Neurol Sci 2020; 41:3123-3134. [DOI: 10.1007/s10072-020-04586-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Biju RD, Dower A, Moon BG, Gan P. SMART (Stroke-Like Migraine Attacks After Radiation Therapy) Syndrome: A Case Study with Imaging Supporting the Theory of Vascular Dysfunction. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CASE REPORTS 2020; 21:e921795. [PMID: 32221270 PMCID: PMC7161941 DOI: 10.12659/ajcr.921795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Patient: Male, 28-year-old Final Diagnosis: SMART syndrome Symptoms: Seizure Medication: — Clinical Procedure: — Specialty: Neurosurgery
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Affiliation(s)
- Rakesh Danny Biju
- Department of Neurosurgery, Waikato District Health Board, Hamilton, Waikato, New Zealand
| | - Ashraf Dower
- Department of Neurosurgery, Waikato District Health Board, Hamilton, Waikato, New Zealand
| | - Benjamin G Moon
- Department of Radiology, Waikato District Health Board, Hamilton, Waikato, New Zealand
| | - Peter Gan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Waikato District Health Board, Hamilton, Waikato, New Zealand
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Jia W, Saito R, Kanamori M, Iwabuchi N, Iwasaki M, Tominaga T. SMART (stroke-like migraine attacks after radiation therapy) syndrome responded to steroid pulse therapy: Report of a case and review of the literature. eNeurologicalSci 2018; 12:1-4. [PMID: 30003148 PMCID: PMC6040931 DOI: 10.1016/j.ensci.2018.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2018] [Accepted: 05/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
This report presents a case of stroke-like migraine attacks after radiation therapy (SMART) syndrome in a 31-year-old man in whom symptoms and radiological findings resolved with steroid pulsed therapy and reviews the literatures with special emphasis on the use of steroids against SMART syndrome. The patient had a past history of left temporal anaplastic astrocytoma and was treated with surgery followed by local 72 Gy radiation therapy and chemotherapy using Nimustine Hydrochloride. Four years after the surgery, he was suffering from subacute progressing symptoms of headache, right hemianopia, right hemiparesis and aphasia from 2 to 4 days before admission to our hospital. At first he was diagnosed as symptomatic epilepsy but after extensive examination, the final diagnosis was SMART syndrome. His symptoms soon improved with steroid pulse therapy. In the literature, steroid pulse therapy is not necessarily a standard of care for SMART syndrome, but it seemed to decrease the need of biopsy. As the lesions of SMART syndrome require differential diagnosis from recurrences, biopsy was performed in some cases. However, lack of benefit and possible detriment is reported with biopsy of SMART lesions. Through this experience we suggest that steroid pulse therapy may provide speedy recovery from symptoms, and it should be considered before other invasive investigations or treatments. Report a case of stroke-like migraine attacks after radiation therapy (SMART) syndrome in a 31-year-old man in whom symptoms and radiological findings resolved with steroid pulsed therapy. Lack of benefit and possible detriment is reported with biopsy of SMART lesions. Steroid pulse therapy is not necessarily a standard of care for SMART syndrome, but it seemed to decrease the need of biopsy. Steroid pulse therapy may provide recovery from symptoms of SMART, and should be considered before invasive investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenting Jia
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8574, Japan
| | - Ryuta Saito
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8574, Japan
| | - Masayuki Kanamori
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8574, Japan
| | - Naoya Iwabuchi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8574, Japan
| | - Masaki Iwasaki
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8574, Japan
| | - Teiji Tominaga
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8574, Japan
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Singh AK, Tantiwongkosi B, Moise AM, Altmeyer WB. Stroke-like migraine attacks after radiation therapy syndrome: Case report and review of the literature. Neuroradiol J 2017; 30:568-573. [PMID: 28643603 PMCID: PMC5703131 DOI: 10.1177/1971400917690009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A 26-year-old female presented with vision loss accompanied by migraine-like headaches. A contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of the brain was performed which revealed findings suggestive of stroke-like migraine attacks after radiation therapy (SMART) syndrome. SMART syndrome is a delayed complication of brain radiation characterized by neurologic symptoms including migraine-like headaches, seizures, and hemispheric impairment. The purpose of this article is to make the readers aware of this rare complication of brain irradiation. Appropriate diagnosis of SMART syndrome is essential to avoid invasive tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Achint K Singh
- Department of Radiology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, USA
| | - Bundhit Tantiwongkosi
- Department of Radiology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, USA
| | | | - Wilson B Altmeyer
- Department of Radiology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, USA
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