[Beta-radiation exposure at the finger tips during the radionuclide synovectomy].
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.
Liepe
K
K
Klinik und Poliklinik für Nuklearmedizin, Technischen Universität Dresden. liepe@rcs.urz.tu-dresden.de
Andreeff
M
M
Mielcarek
J
J
Barth
I
I
Wunderlich
G
G
Kropp
J
J
Kotzerke
J
J
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
D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals