title: Chronic radiodermatitis following cardiac catheterization.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  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.
  
  
  METHODS
  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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Hadassah University Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel.
authors.forename: D A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Lichtenstein
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Klapholz
authors.forename: D A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Vardy
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Leichter
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mosseri
authors.forename: S N
authors.initials: SN
authors.lastname: Klaus
authors.forename: L T
authors.initials: LT
authors.lastname: Gilead
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D006328:Cardiac Catheterization / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D002908:Chronic Disease; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011855:Radiodermatitis / Q000209:etiology*