title: [Beta-radiation exposure at the finger tips during the radionuclide synovectomy].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The radiation synovectomy is a widespread therapeutic option in rheumatoid arthritis. However, data for the beta-radiation exposure are rare. The aim of this study was to determine the personal dose equivalent H(P) (0.07) of the skin of the hands.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thermo-luminescence detectors (TLDs) were attached at all fingertips of the therapist, the radiochemist and the nurse. In summary, the measurement of beta-exposure occurred in 155 joints at 6 days with different radio-nuclides ((169)Er, (186)Re, (90)Y).
  
  
  RESULTS
  The greatest beta exposure were show at the forefinger (L-Ff) and thumb (L-Th) of the left hand, with which the therapist (right hander) fixed the injection needle. In 52 treated finger-joints (1204 MBq (169)Er), 29 treated large joints (2405 MBq (186)Re) and 15 treated knees (3100 MBq (90)Y) we found a cumulative beta exposure over all radionuclides of 190 mSv at L-Ff and 48 mSv at L-Th. The specific beta exposure for the individual radio-nuclides showed beta exposures of 0.56 mu Sv/MBq for (169)Er and 1.52 mu Sv/MBq for (186)Re-186 at the L-Ff. With using a manipulator the beta-exposure ((90)Y) could reduced from 22,09 to 0.42 mu Sv/MBq at the L-Ff. The greatest beta exposures for the radiochemist was 119 mSv at the L-Ff for all radionuclides.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In usual techniques of radiation synovectomy the (90)Y produced the greatest part of radiation exposure. Especially at the L-Ff it might exceed the German limit for the official dosimetry service at the skin ( section sign 55 Strl-SchV). Using a holding forceps we can keep the legal rules and can reduce considerably the beta exposure.
authors.affiliation: Klinik und Poliklinik für Nuklearmedizin, Technischen Universität Dresden. liepe@rcs.urz.tu-dresden.de
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Liepe
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Andreeff
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Mielcarek
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Barth
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Wunderlich
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kropp
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kotzerke
mesh_terms: D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D001610:Beta Particles; D005385:Fingers / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000528:radiation effects; D006801:Humans; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals; D000074402:Synovectomy; D013583:Synovial Membrane / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging
chemical_list: D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals