Percutaneous Coronary Intervention-Related Radiation Ulcer: Diagnosis, Management, and Prevention Strategy

Radiation ulcers after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are increasingly common. However, their diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies have not been well studied.

To present our experience in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of PCI-related radiation ulcers.

Patients diagnosed with PCI-related radiation ulcers were collected. Radiation fields of PCI were simulated using the Pinnacle treatment planning system to confirm the diagnosis. Surgical methods and outcomes were reviewed, and a prevention protocol was developed and evaluated for its effectiveness.

Seven male patients with ten ulcers were included. Among the patients, the right coronary artery was the most common target vessel of PCI, and the left anterior oblique was the most commonly used PCI view. Nine ulcers had undergone radical debridement and reconstruction: four smaller ones with primary closure or local flaps, and five with thoracodorsal artery perforator flaps. No new cases were identified in a 3-year follow-up period after implementing the prevention protocol.

PCI-related ulcer diagnosis is more evident with radiation field simulation. The thoracodorsal artery perforator flap is an ideal option for back or upper arm radiation ulcer reconstruction. The proposed prevention protocol for PCI procedures was effective in lowering the incidence of radiation ulcers.