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Review
. 2020 May-Jun;25(3):327-330.
doi: 10.1016/j.rpor.2020.02.012. Epub 2020 Feb 24.

Detection of radiation induced cardiotoxicity: Role of echocardiography and biomarkers

Radek Pudil  1
Affiliations
Review

Detection of radiation induced cardiotoxicity: Role of echocardiography and biomarkers

Radek Pudil. Rep Pract Oncol Radiother. 2020 May-Jun.

Abstract

We review the role of echocardiography and biomarkers in detection of radiation-induced cardiac toxicity (RICT). RICT is related to micro- and macrovascular damage which induce inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, accelerated atherosclerosis, myocyte degeneration and fibrosis. The process is cumulative dose to the heart and target volume dependent. Furthermore, the damage of the heart is frequently potentiated by the adjunctive chemotherapy. The clinical manifestations of RICT may acutely develop but most often become clinically apparent several years after irradiation. RICT clinical manifestation covers a wide spectrum of pathologies including pericarditis, coronary artery disease (CAD), myocardial infarction, valvular heart disease, rhythm abnormalities, and non-ischemic myocardial and conduction system damages. Echocardiography and cardiac markers are important diagnostic tools for the detection of RICT.

Keywords: Cardiac troponin; Echocardiography; Natriuretic peptide; Radiation induced cardiotoxicity.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Biplane Simpson method using the end diastolic and end systolic apical 4- and 2- chamber views for estimation of LV volume and calculation of the ejection the fraction.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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