Radiation pericarditis

Radiation pericarditis (radiationpericarditis) is caused by radiation damage to the heart and pericardium. It is often a complication of radiotherapy for breast and mediastinal malignancies, such as radiotherapy for breast cancer, Hodgkin's disease, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. A few manifestations are acute pericardial inflammation, fever, anterior cardiac pain, anorexia, general malaise, pericardial friction sounds and abnormal electrocardiograms. Delayed pericarditis usually occurs 4 to 20 years after radiation therapy, and most commonly occurs within 12 months. Acute non-specific pericarditis or asymptomatic pericardial effusion and pleural effusion appear gradually over a period of months or years. Subside.