Several complications may occur as a consequence of adjuvant radiotherapy for cancer. One of these complications is actinic lesions of the subclavian artery in patients undergoing radiotherapy for breast cancer; however, there are few reported cases. In the present case report, we describe a case of right subclavian artery occlusion in a patient undergoing radiotherapy for breast cancer. Occlusion was treated by means of conventional artery bypass with interposition graft with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Our extensive review of the literature revealed 12 reported cases showing the different treatment options performed. We concluded that actinic arteritis of the subclavian artery is an uncommon condition; however, its presence should be considered in all patients with upper limb ischemia who underwent radiotherapy.
subclavian artery; radiation effects; breast cancer
