In plain language
In 31 reported cases of brain and neck tumors among interventional cardiologists, electrophysiologists and interventional radiologists, 85% of tumors with known side were left-sided. This case series raises concern but cannot show that occupational radiation caused the tumors.
At a glance
- Type of study
- Case report or series
- Who was studied
- Interventional cardiologists, Electrophysiologists, Interventional radiologists
- Size
- n = 31 physicians
- Topics
- Brain tumorsCancer risk
- Summary based on
- the abstract
What it found
Among the reported tumors where side was known, most were on the left side of the head.
Key figures: 22 of 26 (85%) left sided; 1 midline; 3 right sided
Brain and neck tumors were documented in 31 interventional physicians, most of them interventional cardiologists.
Key figures: 31 physicians: 23 interventional cardiologists, 2 electrophysiologists, 6 interventional radiologists
Glioblastoma multiforme was the most common tumor type.
Key figures: 17 glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) (55%), 2 astrocytomas (7%), 5 meningiomas (16%)
All physicians had long careers in interventional practice before diagnosis.
Key figures: latency 12 to 32 years, mean 23.5 ± 5.9
The authors suggest the left-sided predominance may indicate a causal relation to occupational radiation, given the unprotected brain and greater left-side head exposure.
Limits to keep in mind
Voluntarily reported case series with no denominator, comparison group or dose data, so incidence and causation cannot be established; data came partly from interviews with family or colleagues.
Related research summaries
- Brain and Neck Tumors Among Physicians Performing Interventional Procedures (2013, Case report or series)
- SCAI Multi-Society Position Statement on Occupational Health Hazards (2020, Guideline or consensus statement)
- Brain malignancies and ionising radiation: more cases reported (2012, Case report or series)
- Brain tumours among interventional cardiologists: a cause for alarm? (2012, Case report or series)
- Radiation exposure in interventional cardiology: a narrative review of health effects and novel approaches to ensure radiation safety (2025, Narrative review)
How this summary was made
ORSIF prepared this summary with AI assistance from the abstract of the paper. A program then checked that the passage supporting each finding appears word for word in that source. A person has not yet reviewed each summary, so read the original before relying on a number. ORSIF summarizes research and does not endorse any product or company. Report a problem with this summary.
Prepared November 3, 2026.