Radiation burns as a severe complication of fluoroscopically guided cardiological interventions.

Radiation-induced skin burns can be produced by high doses of fluoroscopic X rays. Though uncommon, such injuries can cause considerable distress to the patient and they can lead to deep ulcers requiring skin grafts. Factors that increase the chance of a burn can be readily identified and in nearly all instances they can be avoided or minimized. We discuss these issues and use case illustrations to point out how burns can be avoided.