Acute radiation effects on cutaneous microvasculature: evaluation with a laser Doppler perfusion monitor

Radiology. 1988 Nov;169(2):557-60. doi: 10.1148/radiology.169.2.3051122.

Abstract

Laser Doppler perfusion monitoring is a noninvasive technique for measuring blood flow in epidermal microvasculature that makes use of the frequency shift of light reflected from red blood cells. Measurements in patients undergoing radiation therapy show increases in blood flow of ten to 25 times baseline at doses above 50 Gy, and increases are observed with doses as low as 2 Gy. Follow-up measurements show rapid decreases in flow levels after completion of therapy, but levels remain elevated even at 1 year.

MeSH terms

  • Blood Flow Velocity
  • Breast Neoplasms / blood supply
  • Breast Neoplasms / radiotherapy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lasers*
  • Microcirculation / radiation effects
  • Radiotherapy / adverse effects*
  • Radiotherapy Dosage
  • Skin / blood supply*
  • Ultrasonography*