Rare, late complications in a patient with Hodgkin's disease.

We report a unique case of a cured Hodgkin's disease patient who developed several complications decades after mantle and neck radiation therapy. First on the right, then years later on the left side of the neck a pharyngocutaneous fistula developed complicated by rupture of the carotid arteries on both sides necessitating their ligation. The fistula on the right side was successfully closed by plastic surgery, but the one on the left side is still a problem as severe hypoperfusion of the brain limits therapeutic possibilities. We discuss the relationships between the treatment for Hodgkin's disease and subsequent complications as well as treatment of these complications.