Due to an aging population the incidence
of both cardiac and tumor-related illnesses is increasing.
A problem may arise if radiotherapy is necessary in close
anatomic proximity to an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator
(ICD). These highly precise devices may respond
to ionizing radiation with a loss of function or uncontrolled
stimulation, with both effects being potentially life
threatening. Available guidelines recommend the dose
maximum to a pacemaker to be cumulative below 2 Gy.
For most patients undergoing radiation therapy of the
neck or of the chest this limit is exceeded, thus making a
removal of the device and an implantation of an external
ICD necessary. Case Report: A patient with severe cardiac
problems underwent an implantation of an ICD.
However, a recurrence of a laryngeal cancer was diagnosed.
The irradiation dose after resection was 60 Gy to
the tumor region and 50 Gy to the lymph nodes. Irradiation
peakload to the ICD was calculated to be 2.5 Gy. This
dose was verified with thermoluminescence measurements.
The ICD was externally deactivated during the
sessions of irradiation. Device checks demonstrated no
malfunction. Conclusion: Even though the dose limits of
the ICD of 2 Gy were exceeded, the device demonstrated
a regular function during and after radiotherapy.