LATE CLINICAL CHANGES FOLLOWING THE INTERNAL DEPOSITION OF RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS

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Abstract
Fifty patients who received radium medically and 28 luminous dial makers were recently evaluated who had radium deposited in their bodies for about 25 years. Skeletal symptoms, which could reasonably be attributed to radium deposition, developed in about 15 years. The mandible and femur were most commonly involved. Ten malignant tumors of the skeleton developed in the 78 patients evaluated in 1951. Death occurred about 25 years after the deposition of the radioactive materials in the skeleton. Minor hematological changes were present in patients who had greater amounts of radium and infrequently aplastic anemias developed. Other laboratory data were not significant. Approximately 250 patients who received thorotrast were also evaluated recently. There were no significant clinical disorders attributable to thorotrast. Further information, will be necessary to determine if a relationship exists between thorotrast administration and the minor hematological and skeletal changes observed. Abnormal liver functions were occasionally found and the possibility that thorotrast was a contributing factor cannot be dismissed. No definite conclusions can be drawn concerning the possible relation between thorotrast and the small number of malignancies and leukemias thus far reported.