The assessment of cardiovascular complications radiotherapy — echocardiography position

Abstract

Radiotherapy is an important anti-cancer treatment technique, which utilises ionising radiation to destroy cancer cells. Several clinical studies have identified adverse clinical consequences of radiation in the form of radiation-induced heart disease (RIHD). Cardiovascular diseases represent the most common cause of death other than malignancy, thus recommendations for early identification and monitoring of cardiovascular consequences of radiotherapy have been long awaited. The echocardiography plays a critical role in early diagnosis and prognostic stratification of RIHD.