Hypothyroidism and risks of cerebrovascular complications among patients with head and neck cancer after radiotherapy

Abstract Background Hypothyroidism (HT) and carotid artery stenosis (CAS) are complications of radiotherapy (RT) in patients with head neck cancer (HNC). The impact post-RT HT on CAS progression remains unclear. Methods Between 2013 2014, HNC who had ever received RT were under regular follow-up our hospital initially screened. Patients categorized into euthyroid (EU) groups. Details recorded. Total plaque scores degrees measured during annual extracranial duplex follow-up. monitored for to > 50 % or ischemic stroke (IS). Cumulative time IS between the 2 groups compared. Data further analyzed based use nonuse thyroxine group. Results 333 history Finally, 216 recruited (94 122 EU groups). group higher mean doses (HT vs. EU; 7021.55 ± 401.67 6869.69 425.32 centi-grays, p = 0.02). Multivariate Cox models showed comparable ( 0.24) occurrence 0.51) Moreover, no significant difference was observed 0.49) 0.31) among using not supplement. Conclusions Our results did demonstrate effects supplementation incidence after RT.