POTENTIAL BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS FOLLOWING HIGH X-RAY DOSE INTERVENTIONALPROCEDURES

Some interventional procedures can result in very high x-ray doses. Po tential biological effects of high x-ray doses are reviewed. Determini stic and stochastic effects in skin, bone, parotid glands, and lung ar e discussed. Threshold doses for the effects and relevant dosimetric p rinciples are addressed. General principles for minimizing the potenti al for these effects are presented. Knowledge about these effects and the means to minimize radiation dose can assist the physician in the c are of patients undergoing lengthy invasive radiologic procedures.