Possibilities of heart damage during roentgenotherapy

The authors examined 39 women treated with roentgenotherapy for breast cancer in a total dose of 5100 r. The electrocardiographic pattern at rest and after exercise (Master's test), AspAT and AIAT activity were evaluated, and detailed history was obtained with particular reference to anginal pains. The investigations were carried out before and after roentgenotherapy and it was shown that radiotherapy caused myocardial and ischaemic damage. Attention is called to the necessity of accurate selection of field for radiotherapy to protect the heart against radiation. (author)