Medical aspects of 137Cs decorporation: the Goiânia radiological accident

In September 1987, the Goiânia radiological accident involving a source of 137Cs culminated in about 140 victims who presented internal and/or external contamination and/or external exposure to radiation and/or radiation burns. Internal contamination was verified through analysis of urine and fecal samples. Internal contamination was also evaluated by measurements performed at the whole-body counter installed in Goiânia in November 1987. To enhance the decorporation of 137Cs, patients were treated with the following: 1) Prussian Blue, oral administration, in 46 patients; 2) diuretics, oral administration, in 17 patients; 3) induced perspiration, increasing 137Cs elimination. These procedures were done under rigorous clinical evaluation and considering the data from assay of excreta and data obtained from the whole-body counter. The doses of Prussian Blue exceeded about 6.5 times the dose previously indicated in the literature. It was the first time diuretics were used in humans to treat 137Cs internal contamination. The results of these procedures are discussed.