Thallium-201 for cardiac stress tests: residual radioactivity worries patients and security
| Autor: | David Murray, Matthew J. Geraci, Norman Brown |
|---|---|
| Rok vydání: | 2010 |
| Předmět: |
Male
United States Department of Homeland Security business.industry Homeland security Emergency department Middle Aged medicine.disease Security Measures United States Thallium Radioisotopes Radioactivity Emergency Medicine Exercise Test Medicine Anxiety Humans Medical emergency medicine.symptom Radiopharmaceuticals business Radionuclide Imaging Confusion |
| Zdroj: | The Journal of emergency medicine. 43(6) |
| ISSN: | 0736-4679 |
| Popis: | Background A 47-year-old man presented to the Emergency Department (ED) in duress and stated he was “highly radioactive.” There were no reports of nuclear disasters, spills, or mishaps in the local area. Objectives This report discusses the potential for thallium-201 (Tl-201) patients to activate passive radiation alarms days to weeks after nuclear stress tests, even while shielded inside industrial vehicles away from sensors. Characteristics of Tl-201, as used for medical imaging, are described. Case Report This patient was twice detained by Homeland Security Agents and searched after he activated radiation detectors at a seaport security checkpoint. Security agents deemed him not to be a threat, but they expressed concern regarding his health and level of personal radioactivity. The patient was subsequently barred from his job and sent to the hospital. Tl-201 is a widely used radioisotope for medical imaging. The radioactive half-life of Tl-201 is 73.1 h, however, reported periods of extended personal radiation have been seen as far out as 61 days post-administration. Conclusion This case describes an anxious, but otherwise asymptomatic patient presenting to the ED with detection of low-level personal radiation. Documentation should be provided to and carried by individuals receiving radionuclides for a minimum of five to six half-lives of the longest-lasting isotope provided. Patients receiving Tl-201 should understand the potential for security issues; reducing probable tense moments, confusion, and anxiety to themselves, their employers, security officials, and ED staff. |
| Databáze: | OpenAIRE |
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