Effect of irradiation on the feto-placental tissues

Seven pregnant patients with genital carcinoma were treated with high voltage irradiation in combination with operation. Five patients aborted spontaneously after a dose of 30 to 34 Gy. Two were operated within 2 weeks after completed irradiation. Angiography, microscopy and hormone analyses indicate that damage of the fetal central nervous system and not placental insufficiency is responsible for the intrauterine fetal death.