# Post-Radiotherapy Carotid Stenosis in a Patient With Head and Neck Cancer: A Case Report

## TL;DR

A 68-year-old woman with head and neck cancer developed severe carotid artery narrowing after chemoradiotherapy, highlighting the need for ongoing vascular monitoring in such patients.

## Contribution

This case report highlights a rare vascular complication following chemoradiotherapy for head and neck cancer.

## Key findings

- The patient developed severe proximal right internal carotid artery stenosis after chemoradiotherapy.
- Carotid duplex examination revealed new severe stenosis compared to prior assessments.
- The case emphasizes the importance of monitoring for long-term vascular complications post-chemoradiation.

## Abstract

This case report presents a 68-year-old female with a complex medical history including metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of unknown primary site, treated with excisional biopsy and definitive chemoradiotherapy (CRT), and surgically treated stage 0 cervical cancer. The clinical course includes comprehensive treatment for squamous cell carcinoma involving the lymph nodes of the head and neck region, including chemoradiotherapy and concurrent cisplatin chemotherapy. The patient displayed the presentation of severe proximal right internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis, picked up during a carotid duplex examination. Diagnostic findings reveal new severe proximal right ICA stenosis compared to prior assessments. This case highlights the importance of continued monitoring of long-term vascular complications post-management of patients who have undergone chemoradiation.