Changes in Radiosensitivity to Gamma-Rays of Lymphocytes from Hyperthyroid Patients Treated with I-131.

This study investigated the peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) response to a dose of γ-rays in patients treated with radioiodine (I-131) for hyperthyroidism vs. healthy controls, to gain information about the individual lymphocytes' radio-sensitivity. Blood samples were taken from 18 patients and 10 healthy donors. Phosphorylated histone variant H2AX (γ-H2AX) and micronuclei (MN) induction were used to determine the change in PBL radio-sensitivity and the correlations between the two types of damage. The two assays showed large inter-individual variability in PBL background damage and in radio-sensitivity (patients vs. healthy donors). In particular, they showed an increased radio-sensitivity in 36% and 33% of patients, decrease in 36% and 44%, respectively. There was a scarce correlation between the two assays and no dependence on age or gender. A significant association was found between high radio-sensitivity conditions and induced hypothyroidism. PBL radio-sensitivity in the patient group was not significantly affected by treatment with I-131, whereas there were significant changes inter-individually. The association found between clinical response and PBL radio-sensitivity suggests that the latter could be used in view of the development of personalized treatments.

Combined diagnostic imaging in a patient with suspected biliary atresia.

The case of a newborn infant of 40 days of age with persistent jaundice and blood chemistry values suggestive of cholestasis is discussed. Liver and bile duct US documented missed visualization of the gallbladder. In the suspicion of biliary atresia, hepatobiliary scintigraphy was performed; it showed preserved hepatocyte function, missed visualization of the gallbladder and absence of intestinal bile flow which confirmed the diagnostic hypothesis. Based on possible diagnostic alternatives, signs perceived and interpreted, are analyzed.