Radiation safety: a focus on lead aprons and thyroid shields in interventional pain management

C-arm fluoroscopy is useful equipment in interventional pain management because it helps to guide correct needle targeting for the accurate injection and drug delivery. However, due to increased use of C-arm fluoroscopy in various pain procedures, the risk of radiation exposure is a significant concern for pain physicians. The harmful biological effects of ionizing radiation on the human body are well known. It is therefore necessary to strive to reduce radiation exposure. Lead aprons with thyroid shields are the most fundamental radiation protective devices for interventional procedures, and are very effective. However, the operator's radiation safety cannot be guaranteed because pain physicians seem to lack sufficient interest, knowledge, and awareness about radiation safety. Also, inappropriate care and use of radiation protective devices may result in a higher risk of radiation exposure. The purpose of this article was to review the literature on radiation safety with a focus on lead aprons and thyroid shields and present recommendations related to those devices during C-arm fluoroscopic-guided interventions by pain physicians.

Diagnosis of Acute Leukemia from Oral Manifestation

Leukemia is a hematological malignant disease with various clinical symptoms. Due to the fatal nature of the disease, early detection is important. Oral manifestations include ulcers and gingival enlargement with bleeding. Moreover, myeloid sarcoma or opportunistic infections may also occur. This report introduces a 31-year-old male presenting with generalized gingival enlargement with bleeding and another 81-year-old female with neoplasm on the left retromolar area. Both were diagnosed as acute monocytic leukemia. These cases implicate that gingival enlargement or mucosal lesion in the oral cavity may represent underlying systemic diseases. Related to this, it has to be reminded that making timely diagnosis and referral according to the clinical findings is crucial.