Radiation Exposure During Prostatic Artery Embolisation: A Systematic Review and Calculation of Associated Risks

Although evidence supporting the efficacy and safety of prostatic artery embolisation (PAE) is increasing, potential associated risks of ionising radiation in this context remain largely unknown. We systematically reviewed reports on radiation exposure (RE) during PAE in the literature and estimated the risk RE poses using a Monte Carlo dose calculation algorithm. Of 842 studies screened, 22 were included. The overall mean dose area product (DAP) was 181.6 Gy∙cm2 (95% confidence interval 125.7–262.4). The risk model for the effects of RE in a 66-yr-old patient exposed to DAP of 200 Gy∙cm2 showed that the probability of cancer death from the intervention was 0.117%. The highest specific lifetime risk was expected for leukaemia (0.061%). Wide DAP variation between individual studies (medians ranging from 33.2 to 863.4 Gy∙cm2) indicate large potential to reduce RE during PAE at some study centres. RE must be included in patient counselling on PAE, especially for younger patients. We systematically assessed radiation exposure during prostatic artery embolisation (PAE) in the literature and simulated the associated risks in a computer model. PAE exposes patients to very low but not negligible risks, which are most relevant for younger men. This should be discussed with patients before PAE. The overall mean dose area product (DAP) during prostatic artery embolisation (PAE) found in our systematic review was 181.6 Gy∙cm2, which corresponds to an effective dose of 28.3 mSv and exposes patients to very low, but not negligible, stochastic risks. Wide DAP variations between individual studies indicate large potential to reduce radiation exposure during PAE at some study centres.