Evaluating the Necessity and Radiation Risk of Brain CT Scans Requested by the Trauma Emergency Department.

Background: Numerous Computed Tomography (CT) scan requests for trauma patients have raised serious concern about the impacts of radiation such as radiation-induced cancers. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the necessity rate of requested head CT scans for traumatic patients and to ultimately estimate the risk of radiation-induced brain cancer. Material and Methods: In this retrospective analytical study, traumatic patients, who had undergone a head CT scan in a two-month period from August 23 to October 22, 2018, were considered as the study population. Two radiologists reviewed each patient individually to evaluate the rate of normal and abnormal cases. Dose length product in milligrays (mGy) was utilized to calculate the effective dose (ED) in millisieverts (mSv), resulting in an assessment of the risk of radiation-induced brain cancer using ICRP 103. Results: Among 523 scans, 460 patients (88%) received normal reviews, while only 47 patients (9%) had findings related to their current trauma. The mean effective dose value was 1.05±0.36 mSv. Risk of the radiation induced brain cancer was calculated to be 0.037 and 0.030 new cancer cases in 10000 males and females per Gy, respectively. Conclusion: Final results demonstrated that a significant number of traumatic patients undergoing a CT scan are in fact, healthy. Such reckless usage of CT and consequently the excess exposure could result in a dramatic rise in cancer rates. The need to limit unnecessary CT scan usage and keeping the radiation given to patients as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA) when collecting essential diagnostic data is more critical than ever.

A Huge Radiation-Induced Cavernous Hemangioma Following Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Meningioma: A Case Report.

Radiation-induced cavernous hemangiomas (RICHs) have been increasingly reported as a late complication after conventional radiotherapy. RICH after stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is extremely rare and the few cases have been reported to demonstrate their properties. A 72-year-old female patient presented with progressive neurologic deficits. She underwent tumor surgery for meningioma 13 years ago and two times of SRS for treating a residual tumor. Newly-developed mass was 4.3 cm-sized heterogeneously enhancing mass with severe cerebral edema. She underwent surgical resection and the histologic examinations revealed organized hematoma. Finally, it was diagnosed as a RICH following SRS based on radiological and histological findings and a history of multiple radiosurgeries. Clinical, radiological, and histological features of a RICH following SRS were discussed in this report.

Analysis of Intraoperative Exposure to X-rays and Surgical Time in Different Techniques for Fixation of Transtrochanteric Fractures of the Femur.

Objective The present study aimed to evaluate and compare the total surgical procedure time and intraoperative X-ray exposure during different techniques for fixation of transtrochanteric fractures of the femur in elderly patients, using extramedullary and intramedullary methods based on cephalic traction screws. Methods The Orthopedics and Traumatology Service from our hospital evaluated 107 patients with transtrochanteric fractures, including 34 males and 73 females, with age ranging from 61 to 101 years old. Fracture fixation was performed with a dynamic hip system (DHS) in 21 patients, a standard proximal femoral nail (PFN) in 55 subjects, and a standard gamma nail in 31 patients. All procedures were performed by the same surgeon and his team of nursing assistants, along with the same radiology technician using the same image intensifier. Total surgery time (in minutes) and X-ray emission (in centigrays [cGy]) were evaluated. Results Transtrochanteric fracture fixation with PFN provides a significantly shorter surgical time ( p = 0.013) in comparison to the 2 other techniques. Intraoperative exposure to X-rays was significantly lower when using DHS ( p = 0.015) as a fixation method when compared with gamma nail and PFN. Conclusion Although PFN resulted in the shortest surgical time, DHS was associated with the lowest X-ray exposure levels within the studied sample.

Analysis of Intraoperative Exposure to X-rays and Surgical Time in Different Techniques for Fixation of Transtrochanteric Fractures of the Femur / Análise da exposição intraoperatória ao raio X e do tempo cirúrgico em diferentes técnicas de fixação das fraturas transtrocanterianas do fêmur*

Abstract Objective The present study aimed to evaluate and compare the total surgical procedure time and intraoperative X-ray exposure during different techniques for fixation of transtrochanteric fractures of the femur in elderly patients, using extramedullary and intramedullary methods based on cephalic traction screws. Methods The Orthopedics and Traumatology Service from our hospital evaluated 107 patients with transtrochanteric fractures, including 34 males and 73 females, with age ranging from 61 to 101 years old. Fracture fixation was performed with a dynamic hip system (DHS) in 21 patients, a standard proximal femoral nail (PFN) in 55 subjects, and a standard gamma nail in 31 patients. All procedures were performed by the same surgeon and his team of nursing assistants, along with the same radiology technician using the same image intensifier. Total surgery time (in minutes) and X-ray emission (in centigrays [cGy]) were evaluated. Results Transtrochanteric fracture fixation with PFN provides a significantly shorter surgical time (p = 0.013) in comparison to the 2 other techniques. Intraoperative exposure to X-rays was significantly lower when using DHS (p = 0.015) as a fixation method when compared with gamma nail and PFN. Conclusion Although PFN resulted in the shortest surgical time, DHS was associated with the lowest X-ray exposure levels within the studied sample.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar e comparar o tempo total do procedimento cirúrgico e a exposição ao raio X no intraoperatório em diferentes técnicas de fixação das fraturas transtrocanterianas do fêmur em pacientes idosos, utilizando técnicas extramedulares e intramedulares baseadas em parafuso de tração cefálico. Métodos Foram avaliados no serviço de ortopedia e traumatologia do nosso hospital 107 pacientes com fraturas transtrocanterianas, sendo 34 do sexo masculino e 73 do sexo feminino, com idade mínima de 61 anos e máxima de 101 anos. As fraturas fixadas, utilizando a técnica com dynamic hip system (DHS, na sigla em inglês) somaram 21 pacientes; em 55 pacientes, foi utilizado o proximal femur nail (PFN, na sigla em inglês) standard; e em 31 idosos, foi optado pelo uso do gama nail standard. Todos os procedimentos foram realizados pelo mesmo cirurgião acompanhado de sua equipe de auxiliares de enfermagem, assim como pelo mesmo técnico de radiologia manuseando o mesmo intensificador de imagens. Foram avaliados o tempo total da cirurgia (em minutos) e a emissão de raios X medida em centigrays. Resultados A fixação das fraturas transtrocanterianas com PFN proporciona um menor tempo cirúrgico com uma diferença estatística significativa (p =0,013), quando comparada com as demais técnicas utilizadas entre os grupos envolvidos. Foi observada, também, uma menor exposição intraoperatória aos raios X (p =0,015), a qual foi estatisticamente relevante quando utilizado o DHS como método de fixação comparado com o gama nail e o PFN. Conclusão Apesar do PFN ter o menor tempo de cirurgia, a técnica do DHS se mostrou com menores níveis de exposição dentro da amostra estudada.

Proton Radiotherapy to Reduce Late Complications in Childhood Head and Neck Cancers.

In most childhood head and neck cancers, radiotherapy is an essential component of treatment; however, it can be associated with problematic long-term complications. Proton beam therapy is accepted as a preferred radiation modality in pediatric cancers to minimize the late radiation side effects. Given that childhood cancers are a rare and heterogeneous disease, the support for proton therapy comes from risk modeling and a limited number of cohort series. Here, we discuss the role of proton radiotherapy in pediatric head and neck cancers with a focus on reducing radiation toxicities. First, we compare the efficacy and expected toxicities in proton and photon radiotherapy for childhood cancers. Second, we review the benefit of proton radiotherapy in reducing acute and late radiation toxicities, including risks for secondary cancers, craniofacial development, vision, and cognition. Finally, we review the cost effectiveness for proton radiotherapy in pediatric head and neck cancers. This review highlights the benefits of particle radiotherapy for pediatric head and neck cancers to improve the quality of life in cancer survivors, to reduce radiation morbidities, and to maximize efficient health care use.

Evaluation of HIF-1α and VEGF-A expression in radiation-induced cystitis: A case-control study.

The standard treatment for locally advanced cervical cancer (CC) is chemo-radiotherapy. Once the bladder receives part of the radiation, a typical inflammatory condition that configures radiation-induced cystitis may develop. Chronic radiation-induced cystitis is commonly characterized by the bladder new submucosal vascularization, which is typically fragile and favors hematuria. The current study aims to investigate if Hypoxia-Induced Factor (HIF-1α) and its transcriptional target Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A (VEGF-A) could be a primary pathway leading to increased submucosal vascularization. HIF-1α and VEGF-A mRNA levels in bladder core biopsies from CC patients treated with radiotherapy versus untreated (non-irradiated) patients were analyzed using a droplet digital polymerase chain reaction technology. Gene expression results showed that HIF-1α and VEGF-A had no significant differences between bladder samples from patients previously irradiated and untreated patient samples. However, a direct relationship between the degree of late morbidity and the expression of HIF-1α and VEGF-A has been demonstrated. Despite the lack of statistical significance precludes a definitive conclusion, the data presented herein suggests that further studies investigating the role of HIF-1α in bladder neovascularization in radiation-induced cystitis are highly recommended.

Volume effects of radiotherapy on the risk of second primary cancers: A systematic review of clinical and epidemiological studies.

As modern radiotherapy, including intensity-modulated techniques, is associated with high dose gradients to normal tissues and large low-to-moderate dose volumes, the assessment of second primary cancer (SPC) risks requires quantification of dose-volume effects. We conducted a systematic review of clinical and epidemiological studies investigating the effect of the irradiated volume or dose-volume distribution to the remaining volume at risk (RVR) on SPC incidence. We identified eighteen studies comparing SPC risks according to the irradiated volume (i.e., in most studies, the size or number of fields used), and four studies reporting risk estimates according to the dose distribution to the RVR (after whole-body dose reconstruction). An increased risk of SPCs (mainly breast and lung cancers) with extended radiotherapy was observed among patients treated for Hodgkin lymphoma or childhood cancers. However, normal tissue dose distribution was not estimated, limiting the interpretation of those results in terms of volume effects on organs at risk. Studies considering whole-body exposures quantified dose-response relationships for point dose estimates, without accounting for dose-volume distributions. Therefore, they disregarded possible tissue effects (e.g. bystander and abscopal effects, stem cell repopulation) which may play a role in the induction of SPCs. Currently, there is no clinical or epidemiological information about a possible role of high dose gradients in surrounding organs, or increasing volumes of distant tissues exposed to low doses, in the risk of SPCs. Opportunities for future research nevertheless now exist, since methods and tools for estimating individual whole-body dose-volume distributions in large patient populations have been developed.

Radiation-induced angiosarcoma of the breast: a retrospective analysis of 15 years' experience at an oncology center.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize a population of patients with radiation-induced angiosarcoma (RIAS) of the breast treated at an oncology center, focusing mainly on the imaging features, although also on the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of patients with histologically proven angiosarcoma of the breast or chest wall, all of whom received radiotherapy, after conservative or radical breast surgery, between 2000 and 2015. RESULTS: Eleven patients met the inclusion criteria. The median age at the time of diagnosis of RIAS of the breast was 71.5 years (range, 58-87 years), and the median latency period was 8.9 years (range, 4-27 years). The rate of local recurrence was 54.4%, RIAS recurring after a median period of 10 months (range, 3-18 months), and distant metastases occurred in three patients (27.3%). All of the tumors were accompanied by skin changes, and a palpable mass was seen in four. Most of the imaging findings were nonspecific. Six patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging, which revealed pronounced skin enhancement in all six. Ultrasound-guided core needle biopsies were negative in three of the eight patients. CONCLUSION: RIAS of the breast is a rare but recognized complication of radiotherapy for breast carcinoma, with a poor prognosis and high recurrence rate, which requires a high index of suspicion for a prompt diagnosis.

OBJETIVO: Caracterizar uma população de pacientes com angiossarcoma da mama induzido por radioterapia em um instituto de oncologia, com foco principalmente nas características de imagem, mas também na apresentação clínica, diagnóstico e gerenciamento. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Efetuamos análise retrospectiva, entre 2000 e 2015, de pacientes com angiossarcoma da mama ou parede torácica histologicamente comprovado que foram previamente irradiadas após cirurgia mamária, conservadora ou radical. RESULTADOS: Onze pacientes preencheram os critérios de inclusão. A mediana da idade na ocasião do diagnóstico de angiossarcoma da mama induzido por radioterapia foi 71,5 anos (variação: 58-87 anos) e o período médio de latência foi 8,9 anos (variação: 4-27 anos). A taxa de recorrência local foi 54,4%, após mediana de 10 meses (variação: 3-18 meses), e metástases a distância ocorreram em três pacientes (27,3%). Todos os tumores apresentaram alterações na pele, e massa palpável observou-se em quatro. Os achados de imagens foram globalmente inespecíficos. Os seis paciente que realizaram ressonância magnética revelaram aumento de captação de contraste cutâneo. As biópsias ecoguiadas foram negativas em três de oito pacientes. CONCLUSÃO: Angiossarcoma da mama induzido por radioterapia é complicação rara, mas conhecida, da radioterapia para câncer da mama, com mau prognóstico e alta taxa de recorrência, sendo necessário elevado índice de suspeição para seu diagnóstico imediato.

Radiation-induced angiosarcoma of the breast: a retrospective analysis of 15 years' experience at an oncology center / Angiossarcoma da mama radioinduzido: 15 anos de análise retrospectiva em um instituto de oncologia

Abstract Objective: To characterize a population of patients with radiation-induced angiosarcoma (RIAS) of the breast treated at an oncology center, focusing mainly on the imaging features, although also on the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management. Materials and Methods: We performed a retrospective review of patients with histologically proven angiosarcoma of the breast or chest wall, all of whom received radiotherapy, after conservative or radical breast surgery, between 2000 and 2015. Results: Eleven patients met the inclusion criteria. The median age at the time of diagnosis of RIAS of the breast was 71.5 years (range, 58-87 years), and the median latency period was 8.9 years (range, 4-27 years). The rate of local recurrence was 54.4%, RIAS recurring after a median period of 10 months (range, 3-18 months), and distant metastases occurred in three patients (27.3%). All of the tumors were accompanied by skin changes, and a palpable mass was seen in four. Most of the imaging findings were nonspecific. Six patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging, which revealed pronounced skin enhancement in all six. Ultrasound-guided core needle biopsies were negative in three of the eight patients. Conclusion: RIAS of the breast is a rare but recognized complication of radiotherapy for breast carcinoma, with a poor prognosis and high recurrence rate, which requires a high index of suspicion for a prompt diagnosis.

Resumo Objetivo: Caracterizar uma população de pacientes com angiossarcoma da mama induzido por radioterapia em um instituto de oncologia, com foco principalmente nas características de imagem, mas também na apresentação clínica, diagnóstico e gerenciamento. Materiais e Métodos: Efetuamos análise retrospectiva, entre 2000 e 2015, de pacientes com angiossarcoma da mama ou parede torácica histologicamente comprovado que foram previamente irradiadas após cirurgia mamária, conservadora ou radical. Resultados: Onze pacientes preencheram os critérios de inclusão. A mediana da idade na ocasião do diagnóstico de angiossarcoma da mama induzido por radioterapia foi 71,5 anos (variação: 58-87 anos) e o período médio de latência foi 8,9 anos (variação: 4-27 anos). A taxa de recorrência local foi 54,4%, após mediana de 10 meses (variação: 3-18 meses), e metástases a distância ocorreram em três pacientes (27,3%). Todos os tumores apresentaram alterações na pele, e massa palpável observou-se em quatro. Os achados de imagens foram globalmente inespecíficos. Os seis paciente que realizaram ressonância magnética revelaram aumento de captação de contraste cutâneo. As biópsias ecoguiadas foram negativas em três de oito pacientes. Conclusão: Angiossarcoma da mama induzido por radioterapia é complicação rara, mas conhecida, da radioterapia para câncer da mama, com mau prognóstico e alta taxa de recorrência, sendo necessário elevado índice de suspeição para seu diagnóstico imediato.

Iodine-125 brachytherapy as upfront and salvage treatment for brain metastases : A comparative analysis.

BACKGROUND: Outcome and toxicity profiles of salvage stereotactic ablative radiation strategies for recurrent pre-irradiated brain metastases are poorly defined. This study compared risk-benefit profiles of upfront and salvage iodine-125 brachytherapy (SBT) for small brain metastases. As the applied SBT treatment algorithm required histologic proof of metastatic brain disease in all patients, we additionally aimed to elucidate the value of biopsy before SBT. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with small untreated (n = 20) or pre-irradiated (n =28) suspected metastases intended for upfront or salvage SBT, respectively, were consecutively included. Temporary iodine-125 implants were used (median reference dose: 50 Gy, median dose rate: 15 cGy/h). Cumulative biologically effective doses (BED) were calculated and used for risk assessment. Treatment toxicity was classified according to Radiation Therapy Oncology Group/European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (RTOG/EORTC) criteria. RESULTS: Upfront SBT was initiated in 20 patients and salvage SBT in 23. In 5 patients, salvage SBT was withheld because of proven radiation-induced lesions. Treatment groups exhibited similar epidemiologic data except for tumor size (which was slightly smaller in the salvage group). One-year local/distant tumor control rates after upfront and salvage SBT were similar (94 %/65 % vs. 87 %/57 %, p = 0.45, respectively). Grade I/II toxicity was suffered by 2 patients after salvage SBT (cumulative BED: 192.1 Gy3 and 249.6 Gy3). No toxicity-related risk factors were identified. CONCLUSION: SBT combines diagnostic yield with effective treatment in selected patients. The low toxicity rate in the salvage group points to protective radiobiologic characteristics of continuous low-dose rate irradiation. Upfront and salvage SBT are similarly effective and safe. Histologic reevaluation should be reconsidered after previous radiotherapy to avoid under- or overtreatment.

Angiosarcoma Causing Cardiac Constriction Late after Radiation Therapy for Breast Carcinoma.

Therapeutic radiotherapy rarely causes sarcoma, and this occurs years after completion of the intended treatment. In treating breast carcinoma, careful planning in the application of modern radiotherapeutic techniques usually can shield the heart and pericardium. We report a rare case of angiosarcoma of the pericardium, which presented in a 41-year-old woman as constrictive pericarditis 8 years after irradiation for cancer of the left breast. To our knowledge, this is only the 2nd report of angiosarcoma of the pericardium after radiotherapy.

Os efeitos da radiação diagnóstica / The effects of diagnostic radiation / Los efectos de la radiación diagnóstica

Após haver a exposição à bomba atômica no Japão, calcula-se que, em aproximadamente 100 mSv, a radiação produz danos no organismo, entre os quais estão os cânceres radioinduzidos. A radiação de diagnóstico tem uma categoria de dose abaixo de 100 mSv. Os efeitos da radiação a essas doses são baseados em estimativas; contudo, deve-se levar em consideração que as doses são acumulativas. Neste artigo, comenta-se sobre os riscos da radiação de diagnóstico e chama-se a atenção à racionalização do uso das pesquisas radiológicas e à aplicação dos critérios ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable).

After the exposition to the atomic bomb in Japan, it is calculated that over 100 mSv are the quantity of damage produced by radiation in the organism, among which it can be found radio induced cancers. The diagnostic radiation has a doses average that is below 100 mSv. The radiation effects to these doses are based on estimations; however, one should know that the doses are accumulative. In this article, diagnostic radiation risks are commented and it calls the attention to rationalizing the use of radiological explorations and to applying ALARA criteria.

Tras la exposición a la bomba atómica en Japón, se ha calculado que, por encima de 100 mSv, la radiación produce daños en el organismo, entre los que se encuentran los cánceres radioinducidos. La radiación diagnóstica tiene un rango de dosis que está por debajo de 100 mSv. Los efectos de la radiación a esta dosis se basan en estimaciones; sin embargo, hay que tener en cuenta que las dosis son acumulativas. En este artículo, se comentan los riesgos de la radiación diagnóstica y se hace una llamada de atención a la racionalización del uso de las exploraciones radiológicas y a la aplicación de los criterios ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable).