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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.
Abstract:
Radiation-induced heart disease (RIHD) is a recognized late sequela of chest radiotherapy for conditions such as breast cancer and lymphoma and can involve any cardiac structure. Consensus guidelines from the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging and the American Society of Echocardiography stress the importance of regular screening for the cardiac effects of radiotherapy. However, a gulf remains between these guidelines and clinical practice.
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