Radiodermitis after cardiac catheterism

Increasing incidence: The development of new interventional techniques in r adiology, particularly angioplasty of the coronary arteries, has lead to a rise in the incidence of radiodermitis. Clinical presentations vary from sk in rash to necrosis and chronic ulceration. Telangiectasic atrophy and poik ilodermititis are also observed. Case reports in the literature: Twenty-three cases of radiodermitis after c ardiac catheterism have been reported in the literature. Mean delay to onse t after the first radiology examination Varies from 15 days to 10 years. To reduce the risk: The main risk factor is a long duration of scopy using the same incidence. Use of older non-digitalized radiology machines also in creases the risk Physicians performing endovascular procedures should be aw are of the risk of radiodermitis after angioplasy and implement radioprotec tive measures. Retrospective diagnosis: Patients who develop localized pigmentation disord ers and/or telangiectasies should be questioned concerning prior, often for gotten, radiology examinations.