CHRONIC RADIODERMATITIS FOLLOWING CARDIAC-CATHETERIZATION

Background: Fluoroscopy and cineradiography used during coronary angio graphy expose patients to some of the highest doses of ionizing radiat ion in diagnostic radiology. The possibility of radiation-induced dama ge has been discussed by several authors in the past. How-ever, to the best of our knowledge, chronic radiation dermatitis caused by exposur e to x-rays during cardiac catheterization has not been described. Obs ervations: We describe 4 patients in whom chronic radiodermatitis deve loped following multiple cardiac catheterizations and coronary angiopl asties. The cumulative radiation doses to which these patients were ex posed were retrospectively calculated to be a mean of 24.6 Gy per pati ent, with a range of 11.4 to 34.9 Gy. Conclusions: Chronic radiodermat itis is a threat in patients undergoing multiple cardiac catheterizati ons and angioplasties. In susceptible patients, radiation doses as sma ll as 11.4 Gy, which can sometimes be emitted during 1 or 2 procedures , are potentially harmful. Awareness and protective measures against t his longterm side effect of cardiac catheterization should be encourag ed.