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Subclavian artery occlusion after radiotherapy for carcinoma of the breast
Author(s) -
Hashmonai Moshe,
Elami Amir,
Kuten Abraham,
Lichtig Chaim,
Torem Shlomo
Publication year - 1988
Publication title -
cancer
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.052
H-Index - 304
eISSN - 1097-0142
pISSN - 0008-543X
DOI - 10.1002/1097-0142(19880515)61:10<2015::aid-cncr2820611014>3.0.co;2-z
Subject(s) - medicine , radiation therapy , surgery , occlusion , mastectomy , complication , subclavian artery , adjuvant radiotherapy , breast cancer , radiology , cancer
Disturbance of the arterial circulation in the ipsilateral upper limb following mastectomy is a rare sequel attributed to adjuvant radiotherapy. A review of the literature revealed 20 such cases, and two more are presented. Different mechanisms of injury leading to arterial occlusion have been proposed. This is a late complication with a considerable time lag between irradiation and onset of symptoms. The symptoms vary in type and severity, but are consistent with peripheral occlusive arterial disease. To alleviate symptoms and prevent limb loss, reconstructive vascular surgery is advocated, and was successfully performed in one of our patients.