Key result
External irradiation to the neck did not significantly increase common carotid intima-media thickness compared to matched controls (0.59 vs 0.56 mm, p=0.4), although IMT increased with higher radiation doses.
Why the study?
Does external irradiation to the neck increase intima-media thickness of the common carotid artery in patients treated for head and neck cancer?
Population
38 adults, comprising 19 patients who received radiotherapy to the head and neck and 19 healthy adult…
Comparison
External irradiation to the neck completed a… vs Healthy adult control group matched for age…
Design
Cross-sectional
Follow-up
median post-RT time 1046 days (range 29-2492 days)
Authors
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No overall carotid IMT increase after neck irradiation; leaves open dose-dependent effects and surveillance utility in head and neck cancer survivors.
Cross-Sectional (n=38)
No
Does external irradiation to the neck increase intima-media thickness of the common carotid artery in patients treated for head and neck cancer?
Absolute Event Rate: 0.59% vs 0.56%
p-value: p=0.4
Carotid intima-media thickness increases with higher doses of neck radiation, highlighting the potential utility of ultrasound surveillance for early detection of radiation-induced atherosclerosis.
Gianicolo et al. (2010) conducted a cross-sectional in Head and neck tumors (post-radiotherapy) (n=38). External irradiation to the neck region vs. Healthy matched controls with no history of head and neck irradiation was evaluated on Common carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) (p=0.4). External irradiation to the neck did not significantly increase common carotid intima-media thickness compared to matched controls (0.59 vs 0.56 mm, p=0.4), although IMT increased with higher radiation doses.
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