The Turkish Journal of Pediatrics
2010 , Vol 52 , Num 4
Severe valvular toxicity and pericarditis early after radiation therapy in a patient treated for Hodgkin's lymphoma
1 Department of Pediatrics, Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Children’s Medical Center, and 2 Growth and Development
Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Hodgkin's disease can be cured in most cases by radiotherapy. However,
it can increase the risk of cardiotoxicity. Here, we report a patient with
Hodgkin’s disease and superior vena cava syndrome who was treated with
chemotherapy in combination with radiotherapy. Four months after the
initiation of this therapy, she developed progressive dyspnea. Pleural and
pericardial effusion, severe mitral regurgitation, moderate aortic insufficiency,
and mild tricuspid regurgitation were detected in echocardiography, which
suggested heart failure. The patient was then treated with intrapericardial
drainage and received dopamine and diuretics for congestive heart failure;
she responded well to this treatment and was discharged in good condition.
After high-dose mediastinal radiation, cardiologic screening is recommended
in order to identify patients with radiation-induced heart disease and to
assess their need for treatment and follow-up.
Keywords :
cardiotoxicity, Hodgkin's lymphoma, radiotherapy.