Is Radiation a Risk Factor for Atherosclerosis? An Echo-Color Doppler Study on Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin Patients

Abstract

An echo-color Doppler of the carotid district is advisable in all patients who have been submitted to radiotherapy, and the patients with a significantly greater than normal intima-media thickness need a strict follow-up, and antioxidant or antiaggregant therapy should be considered.

Risk-adapted partial larynx and/or carotid artery sparing modulated radiation therapy of glottic cancer

“…The risk of carotid artery stenosis after RT and consecutive ischemic stroke is well known [7-14]. However, there is no knowledge available regarding the influence of the applied dose to the artery, length of irradiated vessel, patients’ age or pre-existing vascular variances on vascular changes.…”

“…Radiation-induced carotid artery disease is long known [6]. In past years several series reported on radiation-induced arteriosclerosis [7], stenosis [8-11], and consecutive ischemic stroke [12-14]. In conventional opposed fields the carotid arteries often receive full dose.…”

Safety and efficacy of carotid angioplasty and stenting for radiation-associated carotid artery stenosis

“…9,10 In humans, this has been hypothesized to result in increased carotid stenosis and restenosis rates following surgical or endovascular therapy. [11][12][13] Due to the absence of a neck incision, the diminished risk for cranial nerve injury, and the remote location of percutaneous intervention, CAS is suited for the treatment of patients with a history of neck XRT.…”

Risk of Radiation Induced Carotid Artery Stenosis in Supraclavicular Lymph Node Irradiation in Breast Cancer Patients

“…Also, Graus et al proposed that, the minimal dose for RT induced damage of the cervical arteries was assumed to be 41 Gy [16]. Bilora et al showed increased IMT of the arterial wall in Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin patients received RT compared to matched controls [17] [18]. Gianocolo et al confirmed these findings on 19 patients received neck irradiation and most of them had Hodgkin disease.…”