Radiologic Diagnosis of Abdominal Complications of Radiation Therapy in Oncologic Patients

Abstract

Radiation therapy plays an essential role in the treatment of oncological diseases; however, its application is associated with the risk of damage to surrounding healthy tissues, particularly the gastrointestinal tract and parenchymal organs of the abdominal cavity. A significant number of patients receiving radical radiation therapy to the abdomen and pelvis develop acute intestinal toxicity. Delayed complications, such as chronic enteropathy, radiation colitis, liver fibrosis, and esophageal strictures, can significantly reduce the quality of life of such patients and may manifest months or even years after treatment completion. This article provides a detailed review of the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and classification of post-radiation injuries of the abdominal and pelvic organs, as well as the key aspects of radiologic sings of these changes using radiography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. Particular attention is given to differential diagnosis and modern imaging techniques that enable timely detection and evaluation of the severity of these complications.