Carotid IMT as Stroke Predictor in Irradiated Head and Neck Cancer Patients with Atherosclerotic Risk Factors

Abstract

Carotid stenosis is a major sequela of head and neck irradiation that has not received the attention it deserves. Its impact on the quality of life of patients can be substantial. This review discusses the incidence of radiation induced carotid stenosis and its role in prediction of stroke .Atherosclerotic changes of the common carotid artery(CCA) may appear like irregularities of the intima-media thickness (IMT) in B-mode ultrasound. Early detection can help to decrease or slow down the rate of prognosis of atherosclerosis and this can improve the quality, and increase the length of patient's life. The incidence of significant increase in carotid IMT following head and neck irradiation is seen. Patients with carotid stenosis are at increased risk for stroke. In this study,subjects with any other major risk factor for atherosclerosis were included. Subjects with previous history of cerebrovascular accidents were excluded.