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Radiation-Associated Pericardial Disease

  • Pericardial Disease (AL Klein and CL Jellis, Section Editors)
  • Published:
Current Cardiology Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

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.

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Acknowledgments

Dr. Desai is supported by the Haslam Family Endowed Chair in Cardiovascular Medicine.

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  1. Heart and Vascular Institute, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Desk J1-5, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA

    Natalie Szpakowski & Milind Y. Desai

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  1. Natalie Szpakowski
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Correspondence to Milind Y. Desai.

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Natalie Szpakowski and Milind Y. Desai declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Szpakowski, N., Desai, M.Y. Radiation-Associated Pericardial Disease. Curr Cardiol Rep 21, 97 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11886-019-1192-y

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