Radiation-induced Skin Injury on the Upper Arm Following Cardiac Interventional Radiology: A Review and Case Report.

Cardiac interventional radiology (IVR) has gained popularity since the late 1980s. An extensive search of literature published from 1996 to 2009 identified 78 reports regarding radiation-induced skin injuries (RISI) following cardiac IVR. The authors present a case report and a review of the relevant literature. A 59-year-old man underwent percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). The estimated cumulative skin dose was 11.8 Gy. The patient discovered erosions on the right upper arm 2 months after PTCA. The lesion did not resolve with conservative treatment, and evolved into an intractable skin ulcer. The authors surgically removed the lesion and reconstructed the defect using an anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap. Radiation-induced skin injuries following PTCA usually develop on the back, and rarely on the upper arm. Radiation ulceration commonly requires surgical intervention. Physicians should be aware of the possibility of RISI, and thus, take measures to minimize exposure of patients and staff to radiation. .