HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Are The Side Effects Of Thorotrast Medicine?

I have a question regarding the use of Thorotrast. My understanding is that its use was largely eliminated in the sixties, however I have found articles about it being used in the very early 1970s. My question is whether or not it was ever used in cardiac imaging. I had a great deal of imaging for coarctation of the aorta as an infant. The hospital where this was done can t find my records or else I d just look at them. My second question is whether or not any thorotrast deposits would show up on a CT. Since its forever radioactive, I assume a CT scan (or regular xray) would show specks of it in the liver or wherever else it is retained.
Mon, 14 Sep 2015
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician 's  Response
Dr. Hanif warmly welcomes you!

Thanks for consulting at my virtual clinic HCM. I have carefully worked through your case, and can well realize your health worries. Being your physician, I want to assure, I will take care all of your medical concerns.

Yes until mid-twentieth century (starting from early 1930s) it remained in use in diagnostic radiology of different parts of the body and perhaps Cardiac imaging too for the reason of its ability of giving very detailed images and immensely longer half life after the injection.


No, there are very little to NO chances of showing up and detecting the drug in the system as it must have surpassed up til now. It remains in the biological tissues for upto 18 years or so. And it was not used anymore in any country after 1950s for sure. There was very little known about the alpha radiations activity of Thorotrast in 1930s, that's why it remained in use for a couple of decades. But soon after realization never used after 1950s and patients were saved from radioactive hazards.

Other techniques like Thallium Scan and Angiography, Echocardiography and other sophisticated and safer diagnostics were introduced that largely replaced the Thorotrast radiography.


Hope I answered all of your questions. Please don't forget to add your precious positive feedback to help me able to assist you better in future too. Have a wonderful time ahead. Keep in touch for a follow-up too to let me know if you have any doubts & need further assistance. I am available 24/7 for your help. Have a blessed time ahead.

Regards!
DR. MUHAMMAD HANIF
USA
I find this answer helpful

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
What Are The Side Effects Of Thorotrast Medicine?

Dr. Hanif warmly welcomes you! Thanks for consulting at my virtual clinic HCM. I have carefully worked through your case, and can well realize your health worries. Being your physician, I want to assure, I will take care all of your medical concerns. Yes until mid-twentieth century (starting from early 1930s) it remained in use in diagnostic radiology of different parts of the body and perhaps Cardiac imaging too for the reason of its ability of giving very detailed images and immensely longer half life after the injection. No, there are very little to NO chances of showing up and detecting the drug in the system as it must have surpassed up til now. It remains in the biological tissues for upto 18 years or so. And it was not used anymore in any country after 1950s for sure. There was very little known about the alpha radiations activity of Thorotrast in 1930s, that s why it remained in use for a couple of decades. But soon after realization never used after 1950s and patients were saved from radioactive hazards. Other techniques like Thallium Scan and Angiography, Echocardiography and other sophisticated and safer diagnostics were introduced that largely replaced the Thorotrast radiography. Hope I answered all of your questions. Please don t forget to add your precious positive feedback to help me able to assist you better in future too. Have a wonderful time ahead. Keep in touch for a follow-up too to let me know if you have any doubts & need further assistance. I am available 24/7 for your help. Have a blessed time ahead. Regards! DR. MUHAMMAD HANIF USA