Brain tumours among interventional cardiologists: a cause for alarm? Report of four new cases from two cities and a review of the literature

Abstract

In interventional cardiologists and radiologists, the left side of the head is known to be more exposed to radiation than the right. A connection to occupational radiation exposure is biologically plausible, but risk assessment is difficult due to the small population of interventional cardiologists and the low incidence of these tumours. This may be a chance occurrence, but the cause may also be radiation exposure. Scientific study further delineating occupational risks is essential. Since interventional cardiologists have the highest radiation exposure among health professionals, major awareness of radiation safety and training in radiological protection are essential and imperative, and should be used in every procedure.

Controlling Radiation Exposure in Interventional Cardiology

“…Disturbingly, studies have shown significant deoxyribonucleic acid damage in physicians chronically exposed to low-level radiation, 6 and cases of left-sided brain tumors and other cancers among interventional cardiologists are widely discussed. 7 What is concerning is that interventional cardiologists rank among health professionals with the highest radiation exposure; however, one positive note is that there is a evidence of lower exposure over time. In a high-volume, singlecenter study, occupational doses recorded were 7-to 14-fold lower in 2006 when compared with that in 1989 to 1992.…”

Measures to Reduce Radiation in a Modern Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory

“…[2][3][4] Recent reports of left-sided brain tumors in interventional cardiologists and radiologists have raised occupational safety concerns in the interventional community. 5 Furthermore, several studies have demonstrated significant DNA damage in physicians exposed to low doses of radiation on a chronic basis. 6,7 Although there have been several innovations that help monitor radiation dose and exposure in the catheterization laboratory, there have been relatively fewer developments in the area of radiation reduction.…”

Impacto do peso corporal dos pacientes na exposição radiológica durante procedimentos cardiológicos invasivos

“…8 Nowadays, skin lesions, which were previously rare, have been reported during interventional cardiology procedures. 5 More recently, six alarming cases of brain tumors 6 in interventional cardiology patients have again raised concerns about occupational risks. Therefore, medical societies are encouraging more training programs and education measures to reduce the biological risks.…”

“…1,2 Together with increasing technological advances and more potent haemodynamic monitoring equipment, 3,4 reports on the harmful effects of ionising radiation have increased. 5,6 It is known that patient weight is directly related to unfavourable outcomes, such as vascular complications, in interventional cardiology. 7 Nevertheless, few reports exist in the Brazilian national literature about the relation between weight and radiation exposure.…”