Diagnosis and treatment of radiation pericarditis:a report of 24 cases
- VernacularTitle:放射性心包炎24例分析
- Author:
Jianxin MA
;
Tongfa JIN
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Esophageal neoplasms/radiotherapy;
Radiation pericarditis
- From:
Chinese Journal of Radiation Oncology
2003;0(S1):-
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective To investigate the diagnosis and treatment of radiation pericarditis. Methods From 1982 to 1994, 3582 patients with esophageal carcinoma in the lower or midthoracic segment received radiotherapy. Twenty-five(0.69%) of them developed pericardial effusion in 1.5 - 9.0 years after radiation. One was carcinomatous effusion, whereas the other 24 patients were diagnosed as having radiation pericarditis and treated with pericardiocentesis,cortical hormone,anti-inflammatory drugs and hydragogue diuresis,and so on.Results With managment,pericardial effusion disappeared gradually in 24 patients. Up to now, 12 patients have died: four of constrictive pericarditis, four of metastasis and another four of unknown reasons.The other 12 patients are still alive.Conclusions Due to the possiblility of developing radiation pericarditis, though rare the area on the heart to be irradiated when giving radiotherapy to middle and lower segment esophageal cancer should be kept minimal. Malignant pericardial effusion should be ruled out by tapping and cytology. Pericardioocentesis,corticosteroids and other conservative management are effective. Pericardiolysis or percardiectomy is indicated when recessary.