[The effect of radiation on thyroid gland function]

In the submitted review the authors discuss briefly the sequelae of irradiation of the thyroid gland. The most frequent postirradiation affection is usually latent hypothyroidism. The risk of the development of carcinoma in the irradiated gland is cca 200-700 cases per 1 million subjects per year per 1 Gy. The latent period is most frequently 15-30 years. Women and children are roughly twice as sensitive. The authors outline also the problem of 131I and its role in disasters of nuclear reactors. It is considered a 10 times weaker cancerogen than external radiation. In the conclusion the authors discuss possibilities of prevention with a more detailed account of the pharmacological block of the thyroid gland. The authors give also recommended doses to be used in the prophylactic administration of potassium iodide.