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European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology

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Open Access 01-06-2021 | Neck Dissection | Head and Neck

Screening for irradiation vasculopathy by intima-media thickness sonography in head and neck cancer patients

Authors: D. Strüder, S. Hellwig, H. Rennau, S. van Bonn, S. P. Schraven, R. Mlynski, G. Hildebrandt, T. Schuldt

Published in: European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology | Issue 6/2021

Abstract

Purpose

Post-irradiation vasculopathy is a severe form of atherosclerosis and affects the prognosis of head and neck cancer survivors. Sonographic intima-media thickness (IMT) precedes stenosis, plaque formation, and cerebrovascular events. Therefore, IMT may be a valuable screening marker for post-irradiation toxicity. However, the critical irradiation dose and the onset of IMT increase remain unclear.

Methods

The cross-sectional study analysed the carotid artery IMT in 96 irradiated patients and 41 controls regarding irradiation dose, post-irradiation-interval, and cardiovascular risk factors. Distinct irradiation doses to the tumour side and the contralateral hemineck enabled detection of dose depended effects within one patient and control of risk factors.

Results

Radiotherapy caused a dose-dependent increase in IMT. The toxicity did not have saturation effects for > 60 Gy. The IMT increase occurred in short-term following radiotherapy and the risk for a pathological value (> 0.9 mm) rose significantly. The correlation between IMT and radiotherapy was comparable to established cardiovascular risk factors.

Conclusion

Radiotherapists should consider the additional toxicity of high doses for non-metastatic head and neck cancer. If neck metastases require radiotherapy with boost, IMT measurement is suitable for early detection of carotid artery damage.

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Title: Screening for irradiation vasculopathy by intima-media thickness sonography in head and neck cancer patients
Authors: D. Strüder
S. Hellwig
H. Rennau
S. van Bonn
S. P. Schraven
R. Mlynski
G. Hildebrandt
T. Schuldt
Publication date: 01-06-2021
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Neck Dissection
Radiotherapy
Arterial Occlusive Disease
Published in: European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology / Issue 6/2021
Print ISSN: 0937-4477
Electronic ISSN: 1434-4726
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-020-06301-3

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Screening for irradiation vasculopathy by intima-media thickness sonography in head and neck cancer patients

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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