An Evaluation of Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Microwave Ablation for the Treatment of Symptomatic Uterine Fibroids.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of ultrasound-guided percutaneous microwave ablation (MWA) for the treatment of symptomatic uterine fibroids. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A single-center retrospective study was conducted on 17 patients, mean age 37.5 years (SD ± 7.3; range 19-47 years) with symptomatic uterine fibroid who underwent MWA between September 2018 and December 2022. Outcomes included volume reduction of uterine fibroids, hemoglobin levels, uterine fibroid symptoms, and health-related quality-of-life questionnaire scores before and 12 months after ablation. RESULTS: Preoperative fibroid diameter was a mean of 6.7 cm (SD ± 1.1; range 5-9 cm), and volume was a mean of 101.9 cm3 (SD ± 63.3; range 16.9-264.1 cm3). The mean ablation time was 12.2 minutes (SD ± 3.1; range, 8-20 minutes). The mean reduction of volume at 12 months after treatment was 70.9% (SD ± 23.8). The hemoglobin level increased significantly from 9.96 g/dL ± 2.33 before treatment to 12.14 g/dL ± 1.34 at 12 months after treatment (P = .002). The symptom severity score and health-related quality-of-life scores were significantly improved at follow-up (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The application of MWA as a standalone treatment method might provide an effective, minimally invasive option for Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics Types 1-6 symptomatic uterine fibroids with the potential to enhance patients' quality of life.

The Role of Emergency Radiology in COVID-19: From Preparedness to Diagnosis [Formula: see text].

Emergency trauma radiology, although a relatively new subspecialty of radiology, plays a critical role in both the diagnosis/triage of acutely ill patients, but even more important in providing leadership and taking the lead in the preparedness of imaging departments in dealing with novel highly infectious communicable diseases and mass casualties. This has become even more apparent in dealing with COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, first emerged in late 2019. We review the symptoms, epidemiology, and testing for this disease. We discuss characteristic imaging findings of COVID-19 in relation to other modern coronavirus diseases including SARS and MERS. We discuss roles that community radiology clinics, outpatient radiology departments, and emergency radiology departments can play in the diagnosis of this disease. We review practical methods to reduce spread of infections within radiology departments.

Classification of normal and diseased liver shapes based on Spherical Harmonics coefficients.

Liver-shape analysis and quantification is still an open research subject. Quantitative assessment of the liver is of clinical importance in various procedures such as diagnosis, treatment planning, and monitoring. Liver-shape classification is of clinical importance for corresponding intra-subject and inter-subject studies. In this research, we propose a novel technique for the liver-shape classification based on Spherical Harmonics (SH) coefficients. The proposed liver-shape classification algorithm consists of the following steps: (a) Preprocessing, including mesh generation and simplification, point-set matching, and surface to template alignment; (b) Liver-shape parameterization, including surface normalization, SH expansion followed by parameter space registration; (c) Feature selection and classification, including frequency based feature selection, feature space reduction by Principal Component Analysis (PCA), and classification. The above multi-step approach is novel in the sense that registration and feature selection for liver-shape classification is proposed and implemented and validated for the normal and diseases liver in the SH domain. Various groups of SH features after applying conventional PCA and/or ordered by p-value PCA are employed in two classifiers including Support Vector Machine (SVM) and k-Nearest Neighbor (k-NN) in the presence of 101 liver data sets. Results show that the proposed specific features combined with classifiers outperform existing liver-shape classification techniques that employ liver surface information in the spatial domain. In the available data sets, the proposed method can successful classify normal and diseased livers with a correct classification rate of above 90 %. The performed result in average is higher than conventional liver-shape classification method. Several standard metrics such as Leave-one-out cross-validation and Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis are employed in the experiments and confirm the effectiveness of the proposed liver-shape classification with respect to conventional techniques.

Hypertension crises and management during radiofrequency ablation of adrenal pheochromocytoma: A case report.

This case report describes the radiofrequency (RF) ablation of a pheochromocytoma in a 35-year-old female with multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) II syndrome, who previously underwent a right adrenalectomy and thyroidectomy. The patient presented with a new tumor in the left adrenal gland, detected via imaging, without evidence of metastasis. Opting against surgical adrenalectomy due to previous surgeries, she underwent RF ablation after preparatory alpha and beta blockader. During RF ablation, a hypertensive crisis occurred, managed effectively with nitroprusside sodium and supportive measures. Postprocedure recovery was uneventful, with normal metanephrine levels and imaging indicating successful ablation. This report highlights the feasibility and challenges of using RF ablation for adrenal pheochromocytoma, suggesting a potential shift towards less invasive management for select cases.

Randomized placebo-controlled trial of mesenchymal stem cell transplantation in decompensated cirrhosis.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: There has been great interest in recent years to take advantage of bone marrow stem cells to treat cirrhosis. Our uncontrolled trial showed promising results for bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation in cirrhosis. Therefore, we conducted a randomized, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of autologous MSC transplantation in cirrhosis. METHODS: The enrolled patients with decompensated cirrhosis were randomly assigned to receive MSC or placebo infusions. A median of 195 million (range: 120-295 million) cultured MSCs were infused through a peripheral vein. The primary outcome was absolute changes in MELD score. Secondary outcomes were absolute changes in Child score, liver function tests and liver volumes between the MSC and placebo group 12 months after infusion. RESULTS: A total of 27 patients were enrolled. Of these, 15 patients received MSC and 12 patients received placebo. One patient in the MSC group and one patient in the placebo group were lost to follow-up. Three patients in the MSC group died of liver failure 3 months (one patient), or 5 months (two patients) after cellular infusion. The baseline MELD scores of the deceased patients were significantly higher than those who remained alive in either group (20.0 vs. 15.1; P = 0.02). The absolute changes in Child scores, MELD scores, serum albumin, INR, serum transaminases and liver volumes did not differ significantly between the MSC and placebo groups at 12 months of follow-up. CONCLUSION: Based on this randomized controlled trial, autologous bone marrow MSC transplantation through peripheral vein probably has no beneficial effect in cirrhotic patients. Further studies with higher number of patients are warranted to better clarify the impact of MSC infusion through peripheral vein or portal vein in cirrhosis.

CT-guided Transgluteal Prostate Fiducial Marker Insertion for Localized Radiation Therapy.

PURPOSE: To Evaluate the safety and technical success of transgluteal CT-guided fiducial marker implantation into the prostate as an alternative method to transperineal and transrectal approaches. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively identified all patients who had undergone CT-guided transgluteal fiducial marker insertion between 2020 and 2022. Four patients with confirmed prostate cancer were identified. One radiologist performed all procedures via a bilateral transgluteal approach under the guidance of real-time CT-fluoroscopy. Twenty cm long pre-waxed 18G guiding needles, preloaded with smooth gold fiducial markers, were used to implant markers. Technical success was defined as the successful placement of the fiducial markers into the planned positions. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 70 years. The mean procedure time was 19.25 (SD: 6.75) min, and the mean total dose length product (DLP) was 801.75 (SD: 291.17) mGycm, which is compatible with the 12 mSv estimated effective dose. All procedures were technically successful (100%). All patients tolerated the procedure and did not require any analgesia for pain, and there were no requests to stop or pause the procedure. Only one patient reported hematuria one day after the procedure, which required no treatment. CONCLUSION: Transgluteal CT-guided fiducial marker implantation into the prostate is an alternative method to transperineal and transrectal approaches. In this technique, the risk of septic complications is minor, and general anesthesia is not required. Thus, transgluteal CT-guided marker insertion is a feasible and well-tolerated method for image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) in patients with prostate cancer.

Survival outcomes and quality of life after percutaneous cryoablation for liver metastasis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Liver metastasis is present in a wide range of malignancies, with colorectal cancer as the most common site. Several minimally invasive treatments have been suggested for managing hepatic metastases, and cryoablation is among them, yet not widely used. In this systematic review, we aimed to assess the effectiveness of percutaneous cryoablation in all types of liver metastases. METHODS: A systematic search was performed in international databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science, to find relevant studies reporting outcomes for percutaneous cryoablation in liver metastasis patients. In addition to baseline features such as mean age, gender, metastasis origin, and procedure details, procedure outcomes, including overall survival, local recurrence, quality of life (QoL), and complications, were extracted from the studies. Random-effect meta-analysis was performed to calculate the mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence interval for comparison of QoL. RESULTS: We screened 2131 articles. Fifteen studies on 692 patients were included. Mean overall survival ranged from 14.5-29 months. The rate of local recurrence in the included studies ranged from 9.4% to 78%, and local control progression-free survival ranged from 1 to 31 months. The total QoL decreased one week after the cryoablation procedure (-3.08 [95% Confidence interval: -4.65, -1.50], p-value <0.01) but increased one month (5.69 [3.99, 7.39], p-value <0.01) and three months (3.75 [2.25, 5.24], p-value <0.01) after the procedure. CONCLUSION: Cryoablation is an effective procedure for the treatment of liver metastases, especially in cases that are poor candidates for liver resection. It could significantly improve QoL with favorable local recurrence.

Left ventricular ejection fraction impact on contrast opacification of coronary artery bypass grafts in 64-slice multidetector computed tomography angiography.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to find whether changes in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) have an impact on contrast opacification of coronary artery bypass grafts (CABGs) in coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA). METHODS: One hundred two CABG patients were assessed using 64-slice CTA. Concurrently, their LVEF was measured using computed tomography. Density of grafts were measured, and their correlation with parameters including LVEF determined. RESULTS: A total of 253 grafts including 89 left internal mammary artery (LIMA) grafts, 41 saphenous vein grafts (SVGs) to diagonal artery, 66 SVGs to obtuse marginal (OM) artery, and 57 SVGs to posterior descending artery (PDA) were patent and assessed. Mean measured LVEF was 49% (SD, 7%). Mean attenuation value of the LIMA grafts was 302.39 (SD, 91.16) Hounsfield units (HU), and those of SVGs to diagonal artery, SVGs to OM artery, and SVGs to PDA were 348.73 (SD, 100.38) HU, 326.95 (SD, 101.41) HU, and 339.50 (SD, 111.67) HU, respectively. A significant negative correlation was found between LVEF and mean attenuation values of LIMA graft (P < 0.001; r = -0.80), SVG to diagonal artery (P < 0.001; r = -0.66), SVG to OM artery (P < 0.001; r = -0.75), and SVG to PDA (P < 0.001; r = -0.76). CONCLUSIONS: A negative correlation was found between density of grafts and LVEF of CABG patients, which is usually echocardiographically assessed before CTA.

Comparison of virtual bronchoscopy with fiberoptic bronchoscopy findings in patients exposed to sulfur mustard gas.

BACKGROUND: Fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FB) is the best modality for evaluation of tracheobronchial endoluminal lesions. Virtual bronchoscopy (VB) with the aid of computed tomography (CT) makes it possible to reconstruct endoscopic-like visualization of major airways. Sulfur mustard (SM) used during the Iraq-Iran war affects respiratory tracts and can lead to tracheobronchial stenosis. PURPOSE: To compare VB with FB in SM-exposed patients suspected for airway stenosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-one patients were evaluated with CT and bronchoscopic studies about 15 years after chemical attacks. The median age of patients was 40 years. Spiral CT scans were obtained and data were transferred to a workstation to generate VB images of major airways. Less than one week after CT scan, FB was performed. RESULTS: For the tracheal pathologies seen in FB, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of VB was 90.9%, 95%, and 93.5% for tracheal stenosis, 40%, 96.2%, and 87.1% for vocal cord problems, 100%, 100%, and 100% for postoperative changes, and 100%, 96.7%, and 96.8% for intratracheal nodule. The inflammation of mucosal surface could not be assessed by VB. The bronchial pathologies seen in FB included eight cases of stenosis, and one case of nodule. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of VB for detection of bronchial stenosis was 62.5%, 97.8% and 92.6%, respectively. Overall sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of VB in detecting tracheobronchial stenosis were 78.9%, 97.0%, and 92.9%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Our study indicates that VB is an accurate method for evaluating stenoses, endoluminal nodules, and poststenotic areas within the tracheobronchial tree of SM-exposed victims. This complementary method could be helpful in revealing hidden post-stenotic lesions and also better depict the long tracheal strictures and their actual length.

The role of imaging techniques in understanding and evaluating the long-term pulmonary effects of COVID-19.

INTRODUCTION: Limited data exist regarding the long-term pulmonary sequelae of COVID-19. Identifying features utilizing multiple imaging modalities engenders a clearer picture of the illness's long-term consequences. AREAS COVERED: This review encompasses the common pulmonary findings associated with different imaging modalities during acute and late remission stages of COVID-19 pneumonia. EXPERT OPINION: Chest x-ray, a common preliminary diagnostic imaging technique, is not optimal for extended care due to limited tissue contrast resolution providing suboptimal assessment of pulmonary pathology and subtle interval changes. Ultrasound may be utilized on a case-by-case basis in certain patient populations, or in countries with limited resources. Chest CT's accessibility, high tissue contrast and spatial resolution make it the foremost modality for long-term COVID-19 follow-up. While MRI can viably monitor extrapulmonary disease due to its lack of radiation and high inherent soft-tissue contrast, it has limited pulmonary utility due to motion artifact and alveolar gas decreasing lung signal. Although 18F-FDG-PET/CT is costly and has limited specificity, it can provide molecular level data and inflammation quantification. Lung perfusion scintigraphy may also explain COVID-19 induced thromboembolic events and persistent dyspnea despite normal structural imaging and testing results. Correlating the long-term pulmonary findings of COVID-19 with each imaging modality is essential in elucidating the post-recovery course.

Magnetic resonance imaging features of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia: The first preliminary case series.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: There is a rising onus on understanding the common features of COVID-19 pneumonia on different imaging modalities. In this study, we aimed to review and depict the common MRI features of COVID-19 pneumonia in our laboratory confirmed case series, the first comprehensive reported cohort in the literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Upon IRB approval, eight laboratory confirmed COVID-19 patients who presented to our outpatient imaging clinic underwent chest CT and, once various features of COVID-19 pneumonia were identified, a dedicated multisequence chest MRI was performed on the same day with an institutional protocol. Demographic data and the morphology, laterality and location of the lesions were recorded for each case. RESULTS: Five males and three females with the mean age of 40.63 ± 12.64 years old were present in this case series. Five cases had typical CT features with ground glass opacities and consolidations, readily visible on different MRI sequences. Three cases had indeterminate or atypical features which were also easily seen on MRI. The comprehensive review of MRI features for each case and representative images have been illustrated. CONCLUSION: Becoming familiar with typical findings of COVID-19 pneumonia in MRI is crucial for every radiologist. Although MRI is not the modality of choice for evaluation of pulmonary opacities, it has similar capabilities in detection of COVID-19 pneumonia when compared to chest CT.

Association of iron overload based quantitative T2* MRI technique and carotid intima-media thickness in patients with beta-thalassemia: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Body iron status has been implicated in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The main hypothesis is that high iron status is associated with increased risk of atherosclerosis. We investigated the potential role of iron as an additional risk factor promoting atherosclerosis among beta-thalassemic patients. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, the liver iron load was assessed by quantitative T2* MRI technique and intima-media thickness (IMT) of the common carotid artery by high-resolution ultrasound among 119 patients (62 male, 57 female) with beta-thalassemia (major and intermediate) whose age ranged from 10 to 50 years with a mean of 25.6 years. The patients were divided into three groups according to the severity of iron loading, obtained by T2*MRI technique: group I (normal), group II (mild) and group III (moderate and severe) iron load.For elimination of the effect of age on carotid IMT values, the patients also were divided into four age groups (10-19 y, 20-29 y, 30-39 y and 40-50 y). Mean carotid IMT based on the severity of iron loading were compared at different age groups, using one way ANOVA analysis for assessing the effect of iron loading on carotid IMT. Pearson's coefficient of correlation were used to assess the degree of correlation between studied variables (liver T2*, IMT, age). RESULTS: There were significant differences in mean carotid IMT based on the severity of iron loading at different age groups, with P = 0.003 at 20-29 y, P = 0.006 at 30-39 y and p = 0.037 at 40-50 y. Age (p = 0.001) and liver T2*(p = 0.003) had significant correlation with mean carotid IMT independently.At the age group of 10-19 years, there were not significant differences in mean carotid IMT based on the liver iron loading (p = 0.661).No significant differences also are seen in mean carotid IMT between male and female (p = 0.41). CONCLUSIONS: This study identified a relationship between body iron status and carotid IMT. This relationship support to the hypothesis of a link between body iron load and atherosclerosis.

Radiofrequency ablation of osteoid osteoma in atypical locations: a case series.

BACKGROUND: Osteoid osteoma has a nidus surrounded by sclerotic bone with a size usually less than 20 mm. Its diagnosis is made on typical presentation of nocturnal pain and imaging findings. Excision of the niduses, which are often small and difficult to precisely identify, sometimes may result in resection of surrounding normal bone. Minimally invasive percutaneous treatments have been used to try to minimize resection of normal bone. Although minimally invasive radiofrequency ablation generally relieves pain, its ability to relieve pain is less well known in locations other than lower extremity long bones. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We determined the pain relief and complication rates after radiofrequency ablation of osteoid osteomas presenting in atypical locations and followed patients to assess possible recurrence or late complications. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 21 patients with osteoid osteomas in unusual locations (eg, hip, radioulnar joint, and proximal phalanx) in whom we used radiofrequency ablation. Postoperative activities were not restricted for any of the patients. We assessed the time for patients to become symptom free, their activity status, and possible recurrence or complications. The minimum clinical followup was 12 months (mean, 27.8 months; range, 12-37 months). RESULTS: All patients became symptom free within 24 hours to 1 week. During followup, none of the patients experienced recurrence or any major complications. CONCLUSIONS: Radiofrequency ablation for osteoid osteomas in unusual locations reliably relieves pain with few complications and recurrences at short-term followup. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, case series. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of level of evidence.

Histological evaluation of drill fragments obtained during osteoid osteoma radiofrequency ablation.

OBJECTIVE: Osteoid osteoma (OO) is a benign bone tumor diagnosed mainly on the basis of the patient's history and radiological data. Histological evaluation may not be available before treatment. The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic value of a histological evaluation of the bone fragments obtained during radiofrequency ablation (RFA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: During a 2-year period, 39 patients diagnosed clinically with OO were entered into this study. The procedure was performed under computed tomography (CT) guidance. An 11-gauge needle was initially placed as a coaxial guide. After drill removal, RFA was performed. Bone fragments collected from the drill were examined by two experienced pathologists, independently. RESULTS: There was strong association between pathologists' reports (P <0.001). In 27 cases (69.2%) this diagnosis was confirmed pathologically. No significant relationship was found between nidus diameter and positive histological findings (P = 0.35). CONCLUSION: Histological confirmation of OO based on drill fragments is similarly frequent as previously reported for standard bone biopsy.

New Policy and Regulations for a Radiology-Oncology Center During the COVID-19 Outbreak in Tehran, Iran.

On February 19, 2020, the first case of a patient infected with Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) was announced in Iran. The number of infected patients increased rapidly, and all health care centers faced an extremely challenging situation in Iran. The centers had to adopt new regulations and approaches to keep their patients and staff safe while providing service to society. Patients diagnosed with a malignancy are at a higher risk for infection with COVID-19 with a poorer prognosis. The Pardis Noor Radiology-Oncology center is a private center in Tehran composed of different departments, including radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Soon after the outbreak, we changed our rules and regulations for patients and staff. This is a report from a private radiology-oncology center in Tehran during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Fibrin sealants in lumbar annuloplasty after endoscopic discectomy as a method to prevent recurrent lumbar disc herniation.

Fibrin sealant as a promising agent for providing scaffold and efficient hemostasis is widely accepted in several specialties. However, the outcome of Fibrin sealants in lumbar annuloplasty after endoscopic discectomy has not been evaluated in patients with disc herniation. The goal of this study was to evaluate the efficacy, response, and probability of future recurrence rates in herniated nucleus pulposus (HNP) with the use of fibrin sealant in conjunction with endoscopic disc surgery. A total of 35 patients (28 men, 7women) were evaluated, including 18 patients who underwent endoscopic discectomy alone and 17 patients that received fibrin sealant at the site of annulus tear and endoscopic discectomy. All patients were followed through both clinical and imaging methods for an average of 10.5 months. Primary outcome measure was defined as lumbar decompression approved by imaging and symptom alleviation after endoscopic spinal discectomy with Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score ≤ 4 (cut-off point). Median size of annular tearing was significantly lower in the endoscopic discectomy group (median, 3) (minimum, 2; maximum, 5); however, the corresponding factor in the endoscopic discectomy plus fibrin sealant group was significantly larger (median, 6) (minimum, 5; maximum, 10), with P <0.001. Only one patient in the endoscopic discectomy group had an HNP recurrence during follow-up compared to two patients in the endoscopic discectomy plus fibrin sealant group. Due to the temporary effects of fibrin sealant in preventing disc herniation and the observed recurrence rate in both the case and control groups, the results of this study suggest a role of fibrin sealants combined with endoscopic discectomy to prevent early HNP recurrence rate.

Common CT Findings of Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): A Case Series.

Given the highly infectious nature of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) virus and the lack of proven specific therapeutic drugs and licensed vaccines effective against it, early diagnosis of the disease is of paramount importance. The common chest CT imaging of confirmed COVID-19 cases is discussed here, which shows ground-glass opacity, crazy paving, and consolidation.

Radioprotective effects of hesperidin against genotoxicity induced by gamma-irradiation in human lymphocytes.

The radioprotective effect of hesperidin against genotoxicity induced by gamma-irradiation has been investigated in vivo/in vitro in cultured blood lymphocytes from human volunteers. Peripheral blood samples were collected at 0 (10 min before) and at 1, 2 and 3 h after a single oral ingestion of 250 mg hesperidin. At each time point, the whole blood was exposed in vitro to 150 cGy of (60)Co gamma-irradiation and then the lymphocytes were cultured with mitogenic stimulation to determine the micronuclei in cytokinesis-blocked binucleated cells. For each volunteer, the results showed a significant increase in the incidence of micronuclei after exposure of cells to gamma-irradiation as compared to control samples. The lymphocytes in the blood samples collected at 1 h after hesperidin ingestion and exposed in vitro to gamma-rays exhibited a significant decrease in the incidence of micronuclei, compared with similarly irradiated lymphocytes from blood samples collected at 0 h. The maximum protection and decrease in frequency of micronuclei (33%) was observed at 1 h after ingestion of hesperidin. These data have important application for the protection of human lymphocytes from the genetic damage and side effects induced by gamma-irradiation in patients undergoing radiotherapy.

Radioprotective effects of Hawthorn against genotoxicity induced by gamma irradiation in human blood lymphocytes.

The radioprotective effect of hawthorn (Crataegus microphylla) fruit extract was investigated in cultured blood lymphocytes from human volunteers. Peripheral blood samples were collected from five human volunteers 10 min before and 1, 2 and 3 h after a single oral ingestion of 500 mg hawthorn powder extract. At each time point, the whole blood was exposed in vitro to 150 cGy of cobalt-60 gamma irradiation, and then the lymphocytes were cultured with mitogenic stimulation to determine the micronuclei in cytokinesis-blocked binucleated cell. The lymphocytes in the blood samples collected after extract ingestion exhibited a significant decrease in the incidence of binucleated cells containing micronuclei as compared to similarly irradiated lymphocytes collected prior to extract ingestion. The maximum decrease in the frequency of micronuclei-containing cells was observed at 1 h after ingestion of Hawthorn extract (on average a 44% decrease). These data suggest that it may be possible to use Hawthorn extracts in personnel exposed to radiation in order to protect lymphocytes from radiation effects.