Thorotrast and the liver--revisited.

AbstractBackground: 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 patients had angiosacoma 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 and 28 yare latency periods respectively. conclusions: Complications due to thorotrast appear to represent consequences of chronic alpha irradiation