Projected future cancer risks in children treated with fluoroscopy-guided cardiac catheterization procedures

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Children treated with cardiac catheterization procedures have now a long life expectancy and consequently potential long-term radiation-induced risks. We projected lifetime attributable risks (LARs) of cancer incidence from the most frequent procedures in pediatrics: atrial septal defect closure, patent ductus arteriosus occlusion, or pulmonary valvuloplasty. METHODS AND RESULTS: Organ equivalent doses were estimated for 1251 procedures performed in children aged ≤15 years at 2 reference catheterization centers in France from 2009 to 2013. Sex-specific LARs were projected in lifelong nonsmokers using extended Committee on Biological Effects of Ionizing Radiation VII risk models and considering various sources of risk projection uncertainties and dose variability (Radiation Risk Assessment Tool software). Median LARs ranged between 0.3 and 1.4 (atrial septal defect closure), 0.6 and 5.0 (patent ductus arteriosus occlusion), and 1.0 and 12.0 (pulmonary valvuloplasty) per 1000 procedures, depending on patient sex and age at treatment. These radiation-related risks would represent 0.4% to 6.0% of children's total lifetime cancer risk. For the 10% of procedures (all types combined) with highest exposures, LARs reached 4.2 per 1000 (95% uncertainty interval, 0.8-13.1) in boys and 22.2 per 1000 (95% uncertainty interval, 7.4-45.6) in girls. In boys, lung cancer accounted for 70% to 80% of the projected LARs, whereas in girls it accounted for 20% to 60% and breast cancer for 30% to 80% of the excess risks, depending on the type of procedure and patient age. CONCLUSIONS: Radiation exposure may lead to substantial radiation doses and increased cancer risks in some cases. This suggests the need for dose reporting to support recommendations for long-term surveillance and prevention strategies when it is necessary.