Skin injuries in interventional procedures.

Radiation-induced skin injuries to patients in interventional procedures have been reported since the early 1990s, but the number reported is far less than what might be occurring around the world. There is a gross lack of awareness resulting in patients suffering. A case of severe injury observed in multiple percutaneous coronary interventions for chronic total occlusion is reported in this paper. Further, the paper summarises the existing knowledge on radiation dosimetry in interventional procedures, factors involved in skin injury, guidance on detection, and avoidance and management of injury when it occurs. Information on a recently launched international anonymous reporting system of the International Atomic Energy Agency is also included.