Srinivasan R, Dean HA. Thorotrast and the liver--revisited.
JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY. CLINICAL TOXICOLOGY 1997;
35:199-202. [PMID:
9120892 DOI:
10.3109/15563659709001194]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Thorotrast, a radiological contrast medium that was widely used from 1928-1955 is a thorium dioxide colloid that has been neutralized and stabilized by colloid, composed of dextran. The major site of deposition is the reticuloendothelial system where it is retained for a long time.
CASE REPORTS
Complications occurring late after exposure to thorotrast are described in two patients.
RESULTS
One patient had angiosarcoma of liver metastatic to bone and bone marrow failure after a 43 year latency period. The other patient had a thorotrast granuloma and angiosarcoma of the liver after 22 year and 28 year latency periods respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
Complications due to thorotrast appear to represent consequences of chronic alpha irradiation.
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