Radiation therapy is frequently utilized in the management of numerous thoracic malignancies
Cardiovascular disease is now the leading cause of nonmalignancy death in radiation-treated cancer survivors
The spectrum of radiation-induced cardiac disease is broad
The relative risk of CAD, CHF, pericardial/valvular disease, and conduction abnormalities is particularly increased
Early identification of potential cardiac complications w/cardiac MR and echocardiography provides an opportunity for regular assessment and potentially improved long term mortality
References
Jaworksi C, Mariani J, et al. Cardiac Complication of Thoracic Irradiation. JACC Vol 61, No 23, 2013.
