Radiation exposure of radiologists during different types of CT-guided interventions: an evaluation using dosimeters placed above and under lead protection

Abstract

Background Computed tomography (CT) is widely used not only for diagnostic purposes but also for image guidance during different types of interventions. Therefore, radiation exposure of both patients and interventional radiologists remains a much-discussed topic. Purpose To quantify radiation exposure of interventional radiologists during multiple CT-guided interventions using dosimeters placed under and outside standard protective lead clothing. Material and Methods A total of 113 consecutive interventions covering three different types of procedures (grouped as periradicular infiltration therapy, biopsies, and drain placement) and performed using routine clinical protocols were prospectively analyzed. The interventions were performed by two radiologists of different experience levels with identically placed dosimeters outside and underneath their protective clothing. Personal doses (right hand, eye lens, thyroid gland, thorax, gonads) were cumulatively measured for each type of intervention and separately for the two radiologists. Results Personal dose was below the detection limit of the dosimeters during periradicular infiltration therapy. In the biopsy and drain placement groups, the highest dose was found for the right hand (maximum cumulative dose = 1.84 ± 1.30 mSv in 19 consecutive drain placements). Under the protective gear, exposure was only observed for drain placements performed by the less experienced radiologist (maximum = 0.05 ± 0.04 mSv for the eye lens). Conclusion Personal doses measured here were far below annual thresholds published by the International Commission on Radiological Protection. Therefore, performing multiple CT-guided interventions appears to be safe for interventional radiologists in terms of radiation exposure.