The Effects of Thorium Dioxide Sol (Thorotrast)1 on the Human Liver2

Introduction THE usefulness of thorium dioxide sol in the roentgen diagnosis of diseases of the liver and spleen has been well demonstrated by numerous articles in the recent medical literature (23, 24, 15, 16, 7, 33, 13). Its utility, however, has been greatly restricted by the fear, which has been so frequently expressed, that ill effects may follow its injection. The dangers associated with the use of this substance have been abundantly described and numerous conflicting opinions have been presented regarding the justification for its employment. While the original protagonists for the utilization of this colloidal suspension of thorium dioxide (thorotrast), Radt (24) and Kadrnka (16), apparently are satisfied that it presents no real danger; others, such as Anders and Leitner (1), Buchner (2), Cooke (4), Hanke (8), Shute and Davis (29), Pohle and Ritchie (21) and others, criticize the use of this material most emphatically. Naegeli and Lauche (20) take a middle ground, while numerous other authors, su...