CHROMOSOMAL ABERRATION IN AN INFANT FOLLOWING THE USE OF DIAGNOSTIC X RAYS

Journal Article · Tue Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1963 · Pediatrics (U.S.)

OSTI ID:4718924

Conen, P E

S>A 6-week-old infant with multiple congenital defects was submitted to x-ray diagnostic procedures, which resulted in an estimated 820-millirad exposure of the hematopoietic system. A study of chromosomes in leukocyte cultures subsequently revealed chromosome aberrations that appeared to be attributable to ionizing radiation rather than abnormal congenital karyotypes. Of 121 cells analyzed, 28 showed chromosome aberrations. Excluding the 28 cells containing aberrations, karyotypes prepared from suitable cells showed the chromosome complements of a normal female. Two main types of aberrations following irradiation are described, 1 involving only 1 of the 2 chromatids that form a dividing metaphase chromosome. The possibility cannot be excluded that the disease state of the child may be the cause of chromosome aberrations similar to those induced by radiation. It is also possible that submicroscopic chromosomal defects were present in this infant related to the malformations present and that the defects increased the sensitivity of the cells to the small x-ray dose given. It was concluded that very small doses of ionizing radiation may in some cases produce chromosome abnormalities detectable in peripheral blood cultures. It is suggested that roentgenographic examinations in infants should be kept to a minimum and only the most necessary studies performed. (TCO)

• Research Organization: Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto
• NSA Number: NSA-17-021547
• OSTI ID: 4718924
• Journal Information: Pediatrics (U.S.), Journal Name: Pediatrics (U.S.) Vol. Vol: 31; ISSN PEDIA
• Country of Publication: Country unknown/Code not available
• Language: English

Related Subjects

AGE
BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
BLOOD FORMATION
CHROMOSOMES
DIAGNOSIS
LEUCOCYTES
MAN
MEDICINE
MITOSIS
RADIATION DOSES
RADIATION INJURIES
RADIOGRAPHY
RADIOSENSITIVITY