Carotid thrombosis following neck irradiation.

Therapeutic irradiation may accelerate atherosclerosis, increasing the risk of vascular stenosis or occlusion several to many years following radiation. However, intimal damage following irradiation may result earlier in thrombosis without stenosis. This report discusses three cases of carotid occlusion that occurred within 3 years of moderate dose irradiation. Angiographic studies showed that occlusion occurred in the absence of atherosclerotic stenosis. A review of the literature supports the conclusion that people who receive neck irradiation are at risk not only for the delayed development of diffuse atherosclerosis but also for thrombotic occlusion within months to several years. We suggest that patients who develop neurological symptoms or signs following neck irradiation, regardless of age, dose of radiation, or interval since radiation, should be evaluated for carotid or vertebral artery disease.