Radiation-Induced Valvular Heart Disease: A Narrative Review of Epidemiology, Diagnosis and Management

Mediastinal radiotherapy plays a central role in the treatment of several malignancies, particularly Hodgkin lymphoma and breast cancer. However, exposure to thoracic radiation is associated with long-term cardiovascular complications, among which valvular heart disease (VHD) is increasingly recognized. Radiation-induced VHD typically presents after a latency period of 10-20 years and is characterized by progressive valve fibrosis, thickening, and calcification, most commonly affecting the left-sided valves. Management of radiation-induced VHD generally follows standard guidelines but remains challenging due to extensive calcification and coexisting radiation-related cardiac or pulmonary injury. A history of thoracic radiotherapy is associated with increased perioperative risk and may negatively impact surgical outcomes, which often alters the risk-benefit balance and favors less invasive therapeutic approaches. Advances in the transcatheter approach have expanded treatment options for this high-risk population; however, data on long-term outcomes remain limited. Evolving dose-reduction techniques, such as deep-inspiration breath-hold, intensity-modulated radiotherapy, and proton therapy, together with predictive dosimetric models, aim to minimize future cardiac toxicity. Given the delayed onset and progressive nature of radiation-associated VHD, structured long-term surveillance is essential to enable early detection and timely intervention in cancer survivors at risk.