Identification of thorium dioxide in human liver cells by electron microscopic x-ray microanalysis

J Clin Pathol. 1978 Sep;31(9):893-6. doi: 10.1136/jcp.31.9.893.

Abstract

Thirty-two years after injection of thorium dioxide (Thorotrast) for diagnostic x-ray studies in a female patient deposits were found by light microscopy in the liver macrophages (Kupffer cells). They were shown by electron microscopy to be located inside secondary lysosomes, and by autoradiography and x-ray microanalysis they were identified as thorium.

MeSH terms

  • Electron Probe Microanalysis
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Inclusion Bodies / ultrastructure
  • Kupffer Cells / ultrastructure
  • Liver / analysis
  • Liver / ultrastructure*
  • Middle Aged
  • Thorium Dioxide / analysis*

Substances

  • Thorium Dioxide