1275Lifetime cancer risks from occupational radiation exposure among workers at interventional radiology departments

Background Interventional medical radiation workers represent an under-studied population worldwide, although they receive relatively high occupational radiation doses. This study aimed to estimate the lifetime cancer risk from occupational radiation exposure among workers at interventional radiology departments. Methods A field survey of interventional medical workers in nationwide branches of the Korean Society of Interventional Radiology was conducted in 2017. Organ-specific radiation doses were estimated using national dose registry data and conversion coefficients provided by the International Commission on Radiological Protection. Lifetime attributable risk (LAR) and lifetime fractional risk (LFR) were calculated based on realistic exposure scenarios using a radiation risk assessment tool. Results LARs from occupational radiation exposure until the age of retirement for all cancers combined were 338 (90.3-796.1), 121 (33.5-288.7), and 156 (41.1-390.6) per 100,000 individuals for male radiologists, male radiologic technologists, and female nurses, respectively. LFR for all cancers combined ranged from 0.22% (0.06-0.53) to 0.63% (0.17-1.47). Regarding the organ site, the highest LAR and LFR among all groups were observed for thyroid cancer. Conclusions This study provides timely evidence of potential cancer burden from the current levels of occupational radiation exposure among workers at interventional radiology departments. The risks varied by occupational groups, and workers, particularly interventional radiologists, need to be carefully monitored for radiation. Key messages We projected lifetime cancer risks from occupational radiation exposure among workers at interventional radiology departments in South Korea. Particularly, interventional radiologists, should be prioritized for careful protection from the potential health risks of occupational radiation exposure.

THE IMPACT OF HEAD POSITIONING ON THE IMAGE QUALITY OF MULTI-DETECTOR COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY

Radiologic technologists face various types of patients during multi-detector computed tomography (CT) examinations. In emergency departments, it is common to have patients who cannot follow instructions for the examinations. The asymmetric axial view of the head CT might affect the correctness of the clinician’s diagnosis. This study aimed to assess the impact of head positioning on the image quality of head CT using two phantoms. All scans were performed on a 16-slice CT scanner. In the control group, the tilted angle of the phantoms was 0[Formula: see text], and no multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) was performed. In the experimental groups, the tilted angles of the phantoms were 5[Formula: see text], 10[Formula: see text] and 15[Formula: see text], respectively, and MPR was performed afterwards. The results showed that if the head was tilted during the head CT examinations, image asymmetry and artifacts appeared without MPR. After MPR, one phantom showed that there were significant differences and the other phantom showed no significant differences quantitatively in image symmetry and artifacts between experimental groups and the control group, while both phantoms showed no significant differences qualitatively in image symmetry and artifacts between experimental groups and the control group. Although MPR can correct the image asymmetry and artifacts caused by tilted head positioning to some extent, it consumes time. Therefore, technologists should position the head as exactly as possible when performing head CT examinations.

Hematological changes after Röntgenray exposure in radiologic technologists

Background and objective: In view of the known health hazards of X-ray radiation, this study focuses on the outlined effect of prolonged accidental or work-related Röntgenray exposure to hematological parameters such as red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), platelets count as well as serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione in X-ray technicians. Methods: In this cross-sectional study with a comparison group, blood samples were collected over six months period from X-ray technician assistants across Rizgary teaching hospital, maternity teaching hospital, Nanakaly hospital, Erbil teaching hospital, Ashty hospital, Hundreen hospital, and Harem hospital. A convenience sample was chosen for collecting subjects exposed to X-ray at the radiology department in the hospitals mentioned above. The results were analyzed and compared with a second control group of healthy unexposed individuals. Results: It was determined that prolonged Röntgenray exposure could lead to an increase in the amount of oxidative stress as denoted by the decrease in the levels of reduced glutathione in the plasma of our test subjects. Conclusion: Although there were changes in the mean levels of plasma RBC, WBC, platelets, and malondialdehyde, the differences of these parameters between the two groups were not significant statistically. However, there was a significant reduction in glutathione levels in plasma samples of the subjects, indicating elevated oxidative stress levels within the body. Keywords: X-ray; Blood cells; Malondialdehyde; Glutathione.

Investigating the consequence of chronic exposure to radiation on renal biomarkers among selected radiologic technologists

Introduction: Chronic radiation exposure, particularly among technicians using medical imaging instruments, may contribute to chronic disease, including renal dysfunction. Investigating the potential association of this exposure with biochemical changes may assist disease detection and prevention. Objectives: The study explores the risk of renal dysfunction among radiologic technologists (RTs) with ten years or more of diagnostic imaging experience to evaluate the association of accumulated radiation doses and possible renal injury. Patients and Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on the effective accumulative radiation dose from 2009 to 2019 among RTs of radiological department at a general hospital in southern Saudi Arabia. Blood samples were collected, and key biomarkers analyzed using a fully automated biochemical analyzer. Serum levels of the following were measured; sodium, gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), chloride, creatine kinase (CK), calcium, albumin, urea, creatinine, lactate dehydrogenase, total protein and potassium. In statistical analysis, P<0.05 was considered significant. Results: Even with exposure to only low-level radiation sources, RTs were statistically predisposed to variation in biochemical profiles. RTs exhibited GGT and CK levels higher than that of controls, while serum chloride was significantly low. Conclusion: The current study found a significant change in renal biochemical profiles among RTs who had worked in a radiological department for more than ten years. The association between GGT, CK with Kidney diseases was reported in several reports. Chronic exposure to radiation may contribute to a rise in GGT and CK levels and reduction of chloride and thus could develop the risk of renal diseases.

Shedding Light on the Direct and Indirect Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Lebanese Radiographers or Radiologic Technologists: A Crisis within Crises

With the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the need for radiologic procedures is increasing for the effective diagnosis and follow-up of pulmonary diseases. There is an immense load on the radiographers’ shoulders to cope with all the challenges associated with the pandemic. However, amidst this crisis, Lebanese radiographers are also suffering from a socioeconomic crisis and record hyperinflation that have posed additional challenges. A cross-sectional study was conducted among registered Lebanese radiographers to assess the general, workplace conditions, health and safety, mental/psychologic, financial, and skill/knowledge development impacts. Despite applying an adapted safety protocol, institutions are neither providing free RT-PCR testing to their staff nor showing adequate support for infected staff members, thus causing distress about contracting the virus from the workplace. Aggravated by the deteriorating economic situation that affected the radiographers financially, they additionally suffer from severe occupational physical and mental burnout. Regardless of that, they used their free time during the lockdown for skill/knowledge development and have performed many recreational activities. This cross-sectional study highlighted the different ways the pandemic has impacted the radiographers: physically, psychologically, and financially. It aimed to shed light on what these frontline heroes are passing through in the midst of all these unprecedented crises.