Exposure of interventional radiologists: the contribution of capillary microscopy

A cohort of 187 exposed professionals and 35 non-exposed professionals was organised to study the influence of exposure characteristics on the occurrence of capillary malformations in radiologists performing interventional radiology. Each subject underwent a clinical and capillaroscopic examination, answered a questionnaire, and was subjected to a dosimetric evaluation in collaboration with the IRSN. The frequencies of capillary malformations (morphological and extravasation signs) were compared between the exposed and non-exposed subjects. The comparison of the set of parameters characterising morphological signs highlights significant differences between surgeons and radiologists with respect to non-exposed practitioners but not with cardiologists: signs of current exposure and length of exposure are significantly linked to this morphological criterion. Furthermore, no significant result was identified regarding extravasation criteria. This study shows the need to set up systematic monitoring for this exposed population by extremity dosimetry and to instigate studies to reduce exposure during interventions.