METHODS: A PubMed search with the keywords \"camptocormia,\" \"dropped head syndrome,\" \"radiation-induced myopathy,\" \"radiation-induced neuropathy,\" and \"radiation-induced movement disorder\" was carried out to better characterize radiation-induced movement disorders and the radiation techniques involved. In addition, the case of a patient developing camptocormia 23 years after radiation therapy of a non-Hodgkin\'s lymphoma of the abdomen is described.
RESULTS: In total, nine case series of radiation-induced DHS (n = 45 patients) and-including our case-three case reports (n = 3 patients) about radiogenic camptocormia were retrieved. Most cases (40/45 patients) occurred less than 15 years after radiotherapy involving extended fields for Hodgkin\'s disease.
CONCLUSIONS: The use of wide radiation fields including many spinal segments with paraspinal muscles may lead to radiation-induced movement disorders. If paraspinal muscles and the thoracolumbar spine are involved, the clinical presentation can be that of camptocormia. DHS may result if there is involvement of the cervical spine. To prevent these disorders, sparing of the spine and paraspinal muscles is desirable.