Radiation-Induced Peripheral Artery Disease in a 63-Year-Old Patient

Tobacco use, hypertension, diabetes, and hypercholesterolemia are known risk factors for peripheral artery disease (PAD). However, additional causes of PAD, such as radiation therapy, should be considered for the prevention and diagnosis of this disease. The patient described in this report had 36 radiation therapies directly to the pelvis and bladder area due to bladder cancer. The presence of severe PAD on this patient’s right external iliac artery, the same area where he received radiation therapy, raises the question of whether radiation therapy contributed to the development of PAD. In addition, his history of anal intraepithelial neoplasia, obstructive uropathy, and chronic kidney disease further demonstrated that he possibly suffered extensive tissue damage due to radiation to the pelvis. This case report explores the current diagnosis guidelines and treatment options for patients with radiation-induced PAD. Through this case study, we aim to bring awareness to this lesser-known cause of PAD among medical providers and promote research for the prevention and treatment of this disease.