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Background. The Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty (PTCA) is an interventional cardiology procedure that allows revascularisation of ischemic myocardial areas both in acute and chronic settings. Over the years, this technique has improved in terms of efficacy, changing the therapeutic approach of myocardial ischemic pathology, with a significant reduction in the mortality rate of myocardial infarction. However, it does not appear free from complications, one of which, although very rare, is radiodermatitis, that is frequently correlated to acute or/and low dose ionizing radiation exposure and oxidative stress. Material and Methods. In this regard, the Authors proceeded to a review of the literature concerning the harmful effects of radiation during fluoroscope-guided procedures, underlining in particular the difficulties of univocally determining a "threshold dose" beyond which to define the onset of radiodermitic phenomena. Results. It has been highlighted how the onset of radiodermitic manifestations following PTCA is of primary medical-legal interest, since it is possible to recognise the existence of responsibility profiles in the hands of the healthcare professionals, and therefore the occurrence of compensation claims by patients. Conclusion. No specific contribution emerged from the literature consulted, so authors put forward the essential elements for a correct classification of healthcare responsibility and the evaluation of any consequent damage to the person concerned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angio-plasty (PTCA) is an interventional cardiology procedure that allows revascularisation of ischemic myocardial areas both in acute and chronic settings. Over the years, this technique has improved in terms of efficacy, changing the therapeutic approach of myocardial ischemic pathology, with a significant reduction in the mortality rate of myocardial infarction. However, it does not appear free from complications, one of which, although very rare, is radiodermatitis, that is frequently correlated to acute or/and low dose ionizing radiation exposure and oxidative stress., Material and Methods: In this regard, the Authors proceeded to a review of the literature concerning the harmful effects of radiation during fluoroscope-guided procedures, underlining in particular the difficulties of univocally determining a "threshold dose" beyond which to define the onset of radiodermitic phenomena., Results: It has been highlighted how the onset of radiodermitic manifestations following PTCA is of primary medical-legal interest, since it is possible to recognise the existence of responsibility profiles in the hands of the healthcare professionals, and therefore the occurrence of compensation claims by patients., Conclusion: No specific contribution emerged from the literature consulted, so authors put forward the essential elements for a correct classification of healthcare responsibility and the evaluation of any consequent damage to the person concerned.

Surface and building runoff can significantly contribute to the total metal loading in urban runoff waters, with potential adverse effects on the receiving ecosystems. The present paper analyses the corrosion-induced metal dissolution (Fe, Mn, Cr, Ni, Cu) from weathering steel (Cor-Ten A) with or without artificial patinas, exposed for 3 years in unsheltered conditions at a marine urban site (Rimini, Italy). The influence of environmental parameters, atmospheric pollutants and surface finish on the release of dissolved metals in rain was evaluated, also by means of multivariate analysis (two-way and three-way Principal Component Analysis). In addition, surface and cross-section investigations were performed so as to monitor the patina evolution. The contribution provided by weathering steel runoff to the dissolved Fe, Mn and Ni loading at local level is not negligible and pre-patination treatments seem to worsen the performance of weathering steel in term of metal release. Metal dissolution is strongly affected by extreme events and shows seasonal variations, with different influence of seasonal parameters on the behaviour of bare or artificially patinated steel, suggesting that climate changes could significantly influence metal release from this alloy. Therefore, it is essential to perform a long-term monitoring of the performance, the durability and the environmental impact of weathering steel., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)