Identification and Management of Persistently Active Brachytherapy Seed Implants

Abstract

There are likely thousands of people bearing radon seeds that continue to emit radiation decades after implantation. They can be identified by clinical history and emission of characteristic x-rays. Surgical removal of these sources is rarely warranted.

Multi‐echo gradient recalled echo imaging of the pelvis for improved depiction of brachytherapy seeds and fiducial markers facilitating radiotherapy planning and treatment of prostatic carcinoma

“…Ten patients were imaged following brachytherapy seed insertion and five were imaged following insertion of fiducial makers for IGRT. At our institution, low risk patients are candidates for interstitial brachytherapy and RT is provided by 125-Iodine seeds that are encased in titanium to allow transmission of radiation and contain silver markers to allow visualization on imaging studies (I-125 Rapid Strand [Amersham Healthcare]) (14). Patients undergoing IGRT require the placement of fiducial markers to improve co-registration of MR images with treatment planning CT images.…”