Radiation-Associated Pericardial Disease

Journal Article · Sun Sep 15 04:00:00 EDT 2019 · Current Cardiology Reports (Print)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1007/S11886-019-1192-Y· OSTI ID:22929214

Szpakowski, Natalie

Purpose of Review: This review highlights the literature related to pericardial injury following radiation for oncologic diseases. Recent Findings: Radiation-associated pericardial disease can have devastating consequences. Unfortunately, there is considerably less evidence regarding pericardial syndromes following thoracic radiation as compared to other cardiovascular outcomes. Pericardial complications of radiation may arise acutely or have an insidious onset several decades after treatment. Transthoracic echocardiography is the screening imaging modality of choice, while cardiac magnetic resonance imaging further characterizes the pericardium and guides treatment decision-making. Cardiac CT can be useful for assessing pericardial calcification. Ongoing efforts to lessen inadvertent cardiac injury are directed towards the revision of radiation techniques and protocols. Summary: As survival of mediastinal and thoracic malignancies continues to improve, radiation-associated pericardial disease is increasingly relevant. Though advances in radiation oncology demonstrate promise in curtailing cardiotoxicity, the long-term effects pertaining to pericardial complications remain to be seen.

• OSTI ID: 22929214
• Journal Information: Current Cardiology Reports (Print), Journal Name: Current Cardiology Reports (Print) Journal Issue: 9 Vol. 21; ISSN 1523-3782
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE
CHEST
COMPUTERIZED TOMOGRAPHY
DECISION MAKING
NEOPLASMS
NMR IMAGING
PERICARDIUM
REVIEWS