[Brachial irradiation plexopathy].

Irradiation neuropathy is a term for the damage to peripheral nerve tissue due to irradiation. Brachial irradiation plexopathy is irradiation neuropathy affecting the brachial plexus. This is most frequently a complication of irradiation therapy for cancer of the breast. The incidence varies considerably and is lowest with low total doses of irradiation and limited fractions. The latent period varies from months to several years. The neurological manifestations are paraesthesiae in the fingers, pain, hypaesthesia, hypalgesia, disaesthesia, paresis, hyporeflexia, muscular atrophy and possibly vegetative disturbances. Horner's syndrome may occur. Lymphoedema is observed in approximately on third of the patients. The course of brachial irradiation plexopathy is progressive. No specific treatment is available. The diagnosis is based on the case history, clinical picture, electrodiagnosis and CT of the brachial plexus region. The most important differential diagnosis is metastatic infiltration in the brachial plexus. These two conditions are differentiated best by means of CT guided surgical exploration and histological examination of the tissue. The irreversible nature of brachial irradiation plexopathy and its marked resistance to treatment are such that the optimal irradiation hygienic rules must be observed.