Work

Coronary artery calcification and carotid artery stenosis as late cardiovascular effects of radiotherapy for parotid gland malignancy: A case report and clinical considerations

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: We report the case of a 73-year-old man with a 60-year history of smoking. He was diagnosed with a parotid malignancy in 2003 and underwent surgical resection. In 2008, radiotherapy was administered due to tumor recurrence. In 2024, severe stenosis of the carotid artery on the irradiated (right) side was detected, accompanied by severe coronary artery stenosis and calcification. Following multidisciplinary evaluation and percutaneous coronary intervention, his symptoms improved significantly, and he was discharged for follow-up. • Rare case of severe carotid (70%–99%) and coronary (90%) stenosis following parotid radiotherapy. • Shockwave balloon angioplasty was used to treat severe coronary calcification with symptomatic improvement. • Illustrates potential mechanisms of radiotherapy-related cardiovascular injury. • Highlights the importance of cardiovascular risk assessment and multidisciplinary management in patients receiving radiotherapy.

Source: Cancer Pathogenesis and Therapy

DOI: 10.1016/j.cpt.2026.01.005

Authors: Yanwei Li, Zhimin Fan, Meiyan Liu

Institutions: Capital Medical University, Beijing Anzhen Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Effects of Radiation Exposure

Subfield: Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Imaging

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,100