[The effect of irradiation on the inner laryngeal lymphatics (author's transl)]

In a combined lymphangioscopical and ultrastructural examination 7 months post telecobalt 60 irradiation with 60 Gy, the morphological and functional aspects of the inner laryngeal lymph capillaries were studied. The prominent feature of the morphological changes was the endothelial damage of the lymphatic capillaries including swelling, vacuolisation and necrosis. Many lymph vessels were dilated but patent. A few capillaries where collapsed and surrounded by increased amounts of fibrous tissue, some capillaries where lacking their endothelial lining. So degeneration of the endothelial cell i.e. of the endothelial junctions and focal increase of interstitial collagen with resulting stenosis of the capillaries may be observed. The clinical and functional aspects of the morphological findings are discussed.