Endovascular Occupational Radiation: Immediate and Acute Effects

Mustafa A.  Abduljabbar; Abdulameer M.  Hussein; Bassam M.  Al-Alosi

doi:10.63181/ujcvs.2025.33(4).156-166

Mustafa A. Abduljabbar Ibn Al-Nafees Teaching Hospital, Baghdad, Iraq https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6682-5986
Abdulameer M. Hussein College of Medicine, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4316-3366
Bassam M. Al-Alosi College of Medicine, University of Anbar, Ramadi, Iraq https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5166-2771

DOI: https://doi.org/10.63181/ujcvs.2025.33(4).156-166

Keywords: occupational radiation exposure, catheterization laboratory, acute radiation effect, symptoms, interventional endovascular surgeon, radiation safety, healthcare workers, fluoroscopy, biological effects of radiation

Abstract

Introduction: Medical professionals in catheterization laboratories are routinely exposed to ionizing radiation during fluoroscopy-guided procedures. While long-term risks such as cataracts and malignancies are well documented, there is limited evidence about the acute symptomatic effects experienced during or immediately after procedures. Early detection of such symptoms may help in minimize health risks and improving protective measures.

Aim: To assess the prevalence and severity of acute health symptoms among catheterization lab personnel and evaluate their correlation with weekly exposure hours, years of experience, age, and adherence to radiation protection practices.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 50 catheterization lab staff in Iraq, including physicians, technicians, and nurses. The survey collected data on demographics, weekly exposure hours, years of experience, and protection practices, alongside self-reported severity [0-10 scale] of symptoms like headache, fatigue, dizziness, poor concentration, and more. Spearman’s correlation and multivariate regression analyses were used to identify predictors of symptom severity.

Results: Headache, drowsiness, fatigue, and muscle pain were the most prevalent acute symptoms (92-96 %), followed by poor concentration (86 %) and blurred vision (92 %). Years of experience emerged as a strong predictor for several symptoms, including headache (p=0.0028), pharyngeal pain (p=0.0164), and sexual dysfunction (p=0.0432). No significant protective effect was observed from self-reported adherence to radiation safety practices.

Conclusions: Acute symptoms during or after fluoroscopic procedures are common and significantly associated with cumulative radiation exposure. The absence of a protective relationship from self-reported shielding behavior underscores the need for real-time dosimetry, improved shielding, and institutional health surveillance programs.

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