Cardiac function in patients with Hodgkin's lymphoma in long-term remission after chemotherapy and mediastinal irradiation using different fractionation regimens

Total 69 patients with Hodgkin's lymphoma in 2 to 15 years remission underwent an echocardiographic study to evaluate the risk of cardiac lesions after combined modality therapy. No patient had cardiac complaints at follow up. Mediastinal irradiation was performed using accelerated hyperfractionation regimen to 20-22 Gy (group 1) or conventional fractionation to 20 Gy (group 2) and to 40 Gy (group 3). Doxorubicine-containing regimens were used in 86, 65 and 41 % patients, respectively. Echocardiography was performed at rest and with exercise test. Total 3, 4 and 7 abnormal findings related to systolic dysfunction were observed In groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively, as compared with control group (p