Case Report: Radiopharmaceutical extravasation, radiation paranoia, and chilling effect

Area of Science:

• Nuclear Medicine
• Radiopharmaceuticals
• Patient Safety

Background:

• The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) recently advised against reporting significant radiopharmaceutical extravasations.
• This stance was based on literature suggesting extravasations are rare and minor.
• SNMMI emphasized avoiding patient apprehension due to misinformation about radiation risks.

Observation:

• This case report details a severe extravasation event at a center prioritizing extravasation reduction.
• The event occurred despite established protocols, indicating that severe extravasations remain a possibility.
• The authors highlight the discrepancy between published data and their clinical experience.

Findings:

• Severe radiopharmaceutical extravasations can occur even in specialized centers.
• Sharing these events with patients is crucial for informed consent and safety.
• Real-world clinical data may differ from findings in limited studies.

Implications:

• A reluctance to acknowledge the frequency and severity of extravasations may erode patient trust.
• Open communication about extravasation risks is vital for maintaining a trusting patient-provider relationship.
• Further investigation into the true incidence and impact of extravasations is warranted.