Refractory recurrent bleeding as a late mortal complication of chest wall irradiation
Leonardo Gilardi
Department of Practice Guidelines Program, OSECAC, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Correspondence Address:
Leonardo Gilardi Santa Fe 4990, 7H - Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Zip code: (C1425BHY) Argentina
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DOI: 10.4103/1817-1737.82450
Radiation therapy is used to treat breast malignancies. Old external radiotherapy protocols included high-dose schedules and were associated with late complications. We describe the case of a 72-year-old woman who was admitted with recurrent bleeding from chest wall. Arteriovenous fistulae were diagnosed. Embolization therapy was initially successful, even though the bleeding episodes became recurrent. Arteriovenous fistulae should be included among differential diagnosis of thoracic bleeding in patients with history of local radiation therapy. The prognosis is poor and endovascular treatment may be considered a first-line treatment.
