Radiation-induced heart disease: A practical guide to diagnosis and management

Eoin Donnellan1,2, Dermot Phelan3, Cian P McCarthy4

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.

Insights

Radiation-induced heart disease (RIHD) is a serious side effect of chest radiation therapy for cancers like breast cancer and lymphoma. Despite guidelines recommending regular screening, there is a significant gap between these recommendations and actual clinical practice.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Oncology
  • Radiotherapy

Background:

  • Radiation-induced heart disease (RIHD) is a known long-term complication of chest radiotherapy.
  • It can affect any part of the heart.
  • RIHD is a recognized sequela of treating conditions like breast cancer and lymphoma.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the importance of screening for cardiac effects following radiotherapy.
  • To address the discrepancy between established guidelines and clinical implementation.

Main Methods:

  • Review of consensus guidelines from leading cardiovascular imaging societies.
  • Analysis of the current clinical practice gap regarding radiotherapy cardiac effects screening.

Main Results:

  • Consensus guidelines emphasize regular screening for cardiac effects post-radiotherapy.
  • A notable gap exists between these guidelines and current clinical practice.

Conclusions:

  • Regular screening for radiation-induced heart disease is crucial.
  • Bridging the gap between guidelines and practice is essential for patient care.

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