[Incidence of radiodermatitis following interventional radiology. Results of a feasibility study among members of the French Dermatology Society].

INTRODUCTION

Radiodermatitis due to fluoroscopically guided interventional radiology procedures was reported, mostly by dermatologists, several times between 1992 and 2000, but less frequently since 2000. TYPE OF STUDY AND

OBJECTIVE

This feasibility study sought to determine whether radiodermatitis secondary to interventional radiology was still occurring recently (2003-2004).

METHODS

During summer 2004, we sent a questionnaire to the 1450 dermatologists belonging to the French Dermatology Society (société française de dermatologie), asking them to report any cases of radiodermatitis related to fluoroscopically guided interventional radiology between 1 September 2003 and 31 August 2004.

RESULTS

Responses from 218 dermatologists reported ten cases of radiodermatitis. Median age at diagnosis was 56 years. The procedures involved interventional neuroradiology (n=1), interventional cholangiography (n=1), pacemaker insertion (n=1), and interventional cardiology (n=7). Median time from the fluoroscopic procedure to first symptoms was 2 months and from procedure to radiodermatitis diagnosis 7.5 months. Plastic surgery was necessary for two patients.

CONCLUSION

Radiodermatitis related to interventional radiology still occurs. We recommend the development of a reporting system for this adverse effect as part of the optimization of interventional radiology practices, including dose reduction.