Radiation-induced carotid stenosis

Abstract

Background and Aims : With the expanded use of radiation in the treatment of neck and mediastinal malignancies, reports of radiation-induced extracranial carotid stenosis became more prevalent. Radiation is commonly used to treat many vascular pathologies, including arteriovenous malformations, arteriovenous fistulas, cavernous malformations, and vascular tumors. In some cases, however, radiation to the normal artery can induce pathology. Histologic studies have demonstrated that radiation has variable effects, depending on the arterial size and radiation dose.