Radiation-associated cardiac disease, a heterogeneous and complex
disease, manifests years or even decades following radiation exposure to
the chest. It is associated with a significantly higher morbidity and
mortality. Often, the presentation is vague and overlaps with many
diseases, presenting unique diagnostic and management issues. As a
result, a high index of suspicion followed by multimodality imaging is
crucial, along with comprehensive screening to enable early detection.
Timing of intervention should be carefully considered in these patients,
because surgery is often complex with an emerging role of percutaneous
interventions.