Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for treatment of adverse radiation effects after stereotactic radiosurgery of arteriovenous malformations: case report and review of literature

BackgroundAdverse radiation effects are a known complication after the use of SRS for AVMs, although it is difficult to predict which patients will manifest with these side effects. Treatment of swelling due to ARE is usually medical, but refractory cases may require surgical decompression.Case DescriptionThis report presents a case of a patient who experienced AREs after SRS (edema, headaches, and nausea) that failed to respond to steroid treatment but was successfully treated with HBO. The treatment characteristics of this and of 5 other cases of radiation injury after SRS for AVM managed with HBO therapy are reviewed, and the pathophysiology is discussed.ConclusionHyperbaric oxygen therapy provides a therapeutic option to treat AREs following SRS of cerebral AVMs.