Effects of Neck Radiation on Result of Doppler Sonography of Carotid Arteries in Head and Neck Cancer Patients.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the effects of neck radiation on the results of Doppler sonography of carotid arteries in head and neck cancer patients.

METHODS

In this prospective, cross-sectional study, 25 consecutive patients with head and neck cancers were assessed for carotid artery stenosis (CAS) by carotid color Doppler sonography before external radiotherapy and six months after external radiotherapy. Main outcome measures were peak systolic velocity (PSVs), end-diastolic velocities (EDVs) of the internal carotid artery (ICA), ICA/common carotid (CCA) ratios, and degree of stenosis.

RESULTS

The age of the enrolled patients at the initiation of radiotherapy was 57.9±11.8 years (mean±SD; range, 43-91 years), and only 4 (16%) of the 25 patients were female. The findings showed significant changes in the plaque degree and stenosis degree, and plaque size before and after external radiotherapy (P<0.05). Changes in degree of stenosis were significantly correlated with age (p=0.021).

CONCLUSION

After neck irradiation changes in the carotid artery may occur and cause subsequent neurologic events.