A case of acute lymphoblastic leukemia and thorotrast-accumulation

A case of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), in a 50 years old patient, 26 years after thorotrast injection, is reported. In spite of intensive therapy, he died 2 years after diagnosis of disease. The cytogenetic showed the usual thorotrast radiation-induced abnormalities, although to a greater extent than reported in leterature. Furthermore a hypodiploidy was present, which was connected with ALL. In addition the patient exhibited the interesting phenomenon of giant satellites on one of his D14-chromosomes. This abnormally was found also in his mother and son. The question arises, how far the inherited cytogenetic pattern and the thorotrast radiation each contributed to the development of ALL.