Investigation of Effect of Body Mass Index of Patient Radiation Dose During Interventional Cardiac processes

Interventional cardiology is commonly performed under fluoroscopic guidance. Radiation exposure of patients and providers has not been comprehensively studied, particularly the effect of Body Mass Index (BMI). In the present study, an evaluation of the radiation dose received by patient during diagnostic and interventional cardiology was investigated and correlated with patient's (BMI). Real-time monitoring of radiation doses was performed for 60 patients aged from new born to 32 years old and was classified in five groups depending on their BMI as follows: (BMI < 10), (BMI: 10-15), (BMI: 15-20), (BMI: 20-25) and (BMI: 25-30). The results showed that, Patient doses were ranged from (0.9-4.3Gy.cm2) with an average 2.9 Gy.cm2, from (0.6-37.6 Gy.cm2) with an average 8.165 Gy.cm2, from (0.51-49.15 Gy.cm2) with an average 17.0 Gy.Cm2, from (5.2 -101.3 Gy.cm2) with an average 40.1 Gy.cm2 and from (53-175 Gy.cm2) with an average 117.7 Gy.cm2 respectively. From the data obtained, it is obvious that there are a significant positive correlation between Dose Area Product (DAP) and BMI. Patients with BMI more than 30 Kg/m2 need more radiation dose compared to patients with BMI lower than 30 Kg/m2. Patients with high BMI require more radiation dose in comparison to those with the small BMI. Due to the high radiation exposure during interventional procedures, it is important to monitor patient dose and awareness should be taken to reduce dose. DAP can be used as an appropriate measure of radiation exposure to patients especially in the absence of quality assurance programme in the department.