The risk of carotid stenosis in head and neck cancer patients after radiation therapy.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Head and neck radiotherapy (RT) is a risk factor for cerebrovascular disease. We performed a retrospective cohort study to evaluate carotid artery stenosis (CAS) incidence in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients undergoing RT, characterizing associated risk factors.

Materials and methods

Records were retrospectively reviewed for HNC patients undergoing carotid ultrasound screening after definitive or adjuvant RT between January 2000 and May 2016. CAS was defined as ≥50% stenosis on imaging, stroke, or transient ischemic attack. Actuarial CAS rates were calculated by Kaplan-Meier method. Univariate and multivariate analyses predicted CAS risk based on carotid dosimetric and clinical parameters.

Results

366 patients met inclusion criteria. Median time from RT

SUBMITTER: Carpenter DJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6827433 | biostudies-literature | 2018 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature