Deterministic effects in interventional radiology

Since the development of interventional radiology, the number and complexity of procedures has increased significantly and continues to grow. Interventional radiology procedures offer substantial health care benefits. However, associated with the increasing complexity as well as a lack of quality control programmes and specific training in radiation protection, there is an increase in the occurrence of deterministic effects in both patients and staff. There is a growing literature of case reports describing deterministic effects. A review of some case reports and the response of various international organisations is presented. It is important that workers in interventional radiology are aware of the potential for deterministic effects and the dose threshold for their onset, so that patients can be followed up appropriately.