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Radiation-induced coronary artery disease in Hodgkin's disease
Zsófia Miltényi1, Katalin Keresztes, Ildikó Garai
13rd Department of Medicine, Medical and Health Science Center, University of Debrecen, Móricz Zs. krt. 22, 4004 Debrecen, Hungary. mil03@freemail.hu
Insights
Mediastinal irradiation for Hodgkin's disease (HD) can lead to early coronary artery disease (CAD), a serious late complication. Careful management and cardiac monitoring are crucial for HD survivors.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Oncology
- Radiotherapy
Background:
- Hodgkin's disease (HD) treatment, particularly mediastinal irradiation, is associated with significant long-term risks.
- Late complications, including secondary malignancies and cardiovascular issues, can reduce patient survival.
- Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a critical concern among these late effects.
Observation:
- Two female patients with HD who received mediastinal irradiation developed ischemic heart disease 12 and 19 years post-treatment.
- Diagnostic evaluations confirmed CAD, necessitating interventions such as stent implantation and bypass surgery.
- Associated risk factors included hypothyroidism, hyperlipidemia, and potentially early menopause.
Findings:
- Mediastinal irradiation is a significant risk factor for early-onset CAD in Hodgkin's disease survivors.
- The development of ischemic heart disease is multifactorial, influenced by irradiation and comorbid conditions.
- Early detection and management of CAD are vital for improving long-term outcomes.
Implications:
- This case series highlights the need for optimized radiotherapy techniques (e.g., low dose, involved field irradiation) in newly diagnosed HD patients.
- Enhanced cardiac surveillance protocols are essential for survivors of Hodgkin's disease treated with mediastinal radiation.
- Understanding these risks can guide personalized follow-up strategies to mitigate cardiovascular complications.
Purpose:
Secondary malignant tumours and cardiovascular complications are of great importance among the late complications after treatment for Hodgkin's disease (HD) because they may significantly reduce the patients' life expectancy. We report on coronary artery disease (CAD) after treatment for HD.
Methods And Materials:
We present the case of two female patients with HD who received mediastinal irradiation after which complete remission was achieved. In 12 and 19 years after the onset of the disease, control examinations revealed ischaemic heart disease, which was confirmed by coronary arteriography and solved by stent implantation in one of the patients and bypass surgery in the other one.
Conclusions:
Ischaemic heart disease was due to early CAD, which was associated with mediastinal irradiation accompanied by hypothyroidism, hyperlipidaemia and, possibly, early menopause, all posing an increased risk for the cardiologic disease. Our cases may serve as a warning example to carefully plan the management (low dose, involved field irradiation) of newly diagnosed patients as well as the cardiologic follow-up of patients with HD.
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