Chronic Radiodermatitis Following Cardiac Catheterization

TLDR

Fluoroscopy during coronary angiography delivers some of the highest diagnostic radiation doses, and although radiation‑induced damage has been noted, chronic radiodermatitis from cardiac catheterization had not been reported. The study urges increased awareness and protective measures for chronic radiodermatitis following cardiac catheterization. Four patients developed chronic radiodermatitis after multiple cardiac catheterizations, with cumulative doses averaging 24.6 Gy (range 11.4–34.9 Gy), indicating that even 11.4 Gy can be harmful. The article appears in Arch Dermatol.

Abstract

<h3>Background:</h3> Fluoroscopy and cineradiography used during coronary angiography expose patients to some of the highest doses of ionizing radiation in diagnostic radiology. The possibility of radiation-induced damage has been discussed by several authors in the past. However, to the best of our knowledge, chronic radiation dermatitis caused by exposure to x-rays during cardiac catheterization has not been described. <h3>Observations:</h3> We describe 4 patients in whom chronic radiodermatitis developed following multiple cardiac catheterizations and coronary angioplasties. The cumulative radiation doses to which these patients were exposed were retrospectively calculated to be a mean of 24.6 Gy per patient, with a range of 11.4 to 34.9 Gy. <h3>Conclusions:</h3> Chronic radiodermatitis is a threat in patients undergoing multiple cardiac catheterizations and angioplasties. In susceptible patients, radiation doses as small as 11.4 Gy, which can sometimes be emitted during 1 or 2 procedures, are potentially harmful. Awareness and protective measures against this long-term side effect of cardiac catheterization should be encouraged. (Arch Dermatol. 1996;132:663-667)