April 20, 2026Journal of the American College of Cardiology132 citationsOpen Access
Prevention, Diagnosis, and Management of Radiation-Associated Cardiac Disease
Key Result
Radiation-associated cardiac disease requires a high index of suspicion, multimodality imaging, and comprehensive screening for early detection, with careful consideration of intervention timing.
Key Points
- This study aims to address the challenges in preventing, diagnosing, and managing radiation-associated cardiac disease following chest radiation exposure.
- Utilized multimodality imaging techniques for diagnosis.
- Emphasized comprehensive screening for early detection.
- Evaluated the timing of surgical and percutaneous interventions.
- Radiation-associated cardiac disease significantly increases morbidity and mortality rates.
- Early detection through screening is vital for effective management.
- Surgical interventions are complex, highlighting the need for careful timing and consideration of percutaneous options.
Structured PICO
P
Population
Patients with prior radiation exposure to the chest at risk for or presenting with radiation-associated cardiac disease
I
Intervention
Multimodality imaging, comprehensive screening, and careful timing of surgical or percutaneous interventions
Radiation-associated cardiac disease requires a high index of suspicion, multimodality imaging for early detection, and careful consideration of surgical versus percutaneous interventions.
Abstract
Radiation-associated cardiac disease, a heterogeneous and complex disease, manifests years or even decades following radiation exposure to the chest. It is associated with a significantly higher morbidity and mortality. Often, the presentation is vague and overlaps with many diseases, presenting unique diagnostic and management issues. As a result, a high index of suspicion followed by multimodality imaging is crucial, along with comprehensive screening to enable early detection. Timing of intervention should be carefully considered in these patients, because surgery is often complex with an emerging role of percutaneous interventions.
Expert Takes1 quote
“Radiation-associated heart disease can have diverse presentations that overlap with other cardiac conditions, and it may arise so long after the radiation exposure that clinicians may not think of it. But recognizing it is important, as management considerations are paramount to a patient's quality of life and long-term survival.”
Milind Desai, Director of Clinical Operations, Cardiovascular Medicine, Cleveland ClinicCleveland Clinicauto_pipelineView source