Subclavian artery occlusion after radiotherapy for carcinoma of the breast

Disturbance of the arterial circulation in the ipsilateral upper limb following mastectomy is a rare sequel attributed to adjuvant radiotherapy. A review of the literature revealed 20 such cases, and two more are presented. Different mechanisms of injury leading to arterial occlusion have been proposed. This is a late complication with a considerable time lag between irradiation and onset of symptoms. The symptoms vary in type and severity, but are consistent with peripheral occlusive arterial disease. To alleviate symptoms and prevent limb loss, reconstructive vascular surgery is advocated, and was successfully performed in one of our patients.