Evaluation and management of radioactive hazards following the death of a patient who received a therapeutic dose of iodine-131 in treatment in metabolic radiotherapy

A patient treated with meta-iodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) marked with iodine-131 for malignant pheochromocytoma died three hours after injection. To minimize radioactive's risks, the decision to keep the remains for sixteen days was taken. This paper presents the levels of exposure of different persons involved in the care of the patient since his hospitalization until his funeral and the measures taken to prevent radioactive spread and contamination.Original Abstract: Un patient traite a la meta-iodobenzylguanidine (mIBG) marquee a l'iode-131 pour un pheochromocytome malin est decede trois heures apres injection. Afin de minimiser les risques lies a la radioactivite, la decision de garder la depouille pendant seize jours a ete prise. Le present travail presente les niveaux d'exposition des differentes personnes etant intervenues dans la prise en charge de la patiente depuis son hospitalisation jusqu'a son enterrement ainsi que les dispositions prises pour eviter toute contamination et dissemination radioactive.