Radiation dose and duration in coronary angiography: Driving inflammation in acute coronary syndrome patients?

Aim: Coronary angiography, a vital diagnostic and therapeutic procedure for patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), involves radiation exposure. This radiation exposure has the potential to trigger an inflammatory response, which may negatively impact clinical outcomes. This study investigated the relationship between radiation exposure, as measured by cumulative air kerma (CAK) and duration, and inflammatory markers during coronary angiography. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 230 patients who underwent coronary angiography for suspected ACS. Demographic characteristics, medical history, and angiographic findings were recorded. C-reactive protein (CRP) and white blood cell (WBC) levels were measured before and after the procedure. Radiation exposure was recorded as CAK and duration using the fluoroscopy system. Results: The mean age of the patients was 63.82 +/- 12.64 years, and 70.6% were male. A statistically significant positive correlation was found between radiation dose (CAK) and duration, and post-procedure CRP and WBC levels (p<0.05). For instance, patients with higher CAK values had significantly increased post-procedure CRP and WBC levels. Discussion: Radiation exposure during coronary angiography can trigger an inflammatory response, potentially leading to prolonged hospital stays and an increased risk of infection. Therefore, it is crucial to minimize radiation exposure, particularly in high-risk patients (e.g., elderly, diabetic). This can be achieved through careful pre-procedural planning, implementation of radiation reduction protocols, and the use of experienced operators. Future studies should investigate protective strategies to mitigate the impact of radiation on the inflammatory response.

Journal

ANNALS OF CLINICAL AND ANALYTICAL MEDICINE

Year

2025

Volume

16

Pages

142-147

eISSN

2667-663X

DOI

10.4328/ACAM.22865

WoS UID

WOS:001620434500004