[Injury of the large vessels of the neck caused by radiation of neoplasms of the otorhinolaryngologic region: a study using Doppler echography].

Twelve patients undergoing radiotherapy for pharyngo-laryngeal neoplasms were compared to a control group by means of duplex-Doppler US in order to evaluate early and late radiation-induced damage to the main arterial vessels in the neck region. On first examination the case distribution regarding the presence/absence of preexisting vascular lesions was: no lesions (8.3%), mild (33.3%), moderate (16.6%), and severe (41.6%) atherosclerotic lesions. The subjects included in the control group presented with similar characteristics, so that they had similar features to the patients undergoing radiotherapy. While no early complications were demonstrated, development and/or progression of parietal lesions were detected 1 year after the first examination in 58% of patients. No variations were observed in the control group. Radiation-induced damage to the arterial wall was subdivided into 2 groups: moderate (42%) and severe (16%). Damage to neck vessels, though allowing for the small number of patients and the short follow-up, has to be referred to radiotherapy, since no changes were detected in the control group. In the authors' opinion, follow-up by means of hematochemical exams and duplex-Doppler US of the neck is advisable to evaluate general risk factors and to select those patients who can fruitfully undergo surgical treatment.