[Side effects of percutaneous radiotherapy in the area of the thorax: cardiac toxicity of mantle field irradiation].

Radiation-induced cardiotoxicity is a factor not to be neglected, especially after mediastinal irradiation in Hodgkin's disease and Non-Hodgkin-Lymphoma. Caused by primary and secondary radiation lesions, cardiopathy may develop up to several years after treatment. Clinically, acute pericarditis is prevalent. To reduce cardiac long-term side effects, adequate radiation technique is crucial. Diagnosis and therapy in radiation-induced cardiopathy are presented.