Efficacy and Feasibility of Breast Shielding during Abdominal Fluoroscopic Examinations

Rationale and Objectives. The purpose was to measure radiation exposure to the breasts during abdominal fluoroscopic examinations and evaluate the efficacy of breast shielding with a leaded vest. Materials and Methods. Sixty-six women underwent routine abdominal fluoroscopic examinations. During the examinations, one breast was covered with a leaded shield. Radiation doses to both breasts were measured with a thermoluminescent dosimeter. The amount of radiation at the skin of the shielded breast was then compared with that at the skin of the nonshielded breast. Results. Radiation exposure to the breasts varied substantially with the type of examination being performed and with the individual patient. The average radiation level at the skin of the unshielded breast was 119 mR (range, 0–6,320 mR), compared with 59.6 mR (range, 0–1,640 mR) at the shielded breast. The average reduction in radiation exposure was 50% with shielding. Conclusion. Although the average level of radiation exposure to the breast during abdominal fluoroscopic examinations is generally low, use of a leaded vest can further reduce radiation to the breast for different types of examinations.