Chronic radiodermatitis following repeated percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty

Abstract

We review three patients who developed chronic radiodermatitis subsequent to undergoing multiple percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasties (PTCAs). All patients had had chronic ischaemic heart disease (IHD) and had undergone lengthy PTCA on several occasions. The skin eruption was characterized by an atrophic rectangular plaque on the left upper back, presenting as mottled hyper- and hypopigmentation with reticulate telangiectasia. Histologically, the eruption demonstrated epidermal atrophy, hyalinized and irregularly stained collagen, and telangiectasia of superficial vessels in the dermis. Although the risk of radiation injury in most patients undergoing cardiac catheterization is low, this danger should not be ignored. In particular, patients with long-standing IHD and numerous repeated catheterizations to only one or two occluded coronary arteries should be considered at high risk.

An X-Ray Exposure Accident in a High School Student

“…In recent years, radiation dermatitis has tended to increase with the spread of cardiac catheterization [3][4][5][6][7] . Radiation dermatitis caused by an accident at school as in the present case is very rare.…”

Radiation-Induced Skin Injuries to Patients: What the Interventional Radiologist Needs to Know

“…In addition, dermal collagen fibers appear coarse and increased in number. Hyperpigmentary changes correlate with an increase in dermal melanophages [40]. …”

Radiation Safety During Interventions of Coronary Chronic Total Occlusion

“…This is presented as mottled hyper- and hypopigmentation with reticulate telangiectasia. Histologically, the eruption demonstrates epidermal atrophy, hyalinized and irregularly stained collagen, and telangiectasia of superficial vessels in the dermis [2]. Other critical injuries due to excessive radiation are listed in Table 2 .…”