Delayed effects of accidental cutaneous radiation exposure: fifteen years of follow-up after the Chernobyl accident.
BACKGROUND
During the Chernobyl accident in 1986, 237 individuals were identified as having the most severe exposure to ionizing radiation. In the period between 1998 and 2000, 99 long term survivors out of this group were reassessed for radiation-induced cutaneous lesions.


OBJECTIVE
To identify sequelae of accidental cutaneous irradiation.


METHODS
Detailed dermatologic examinations, including biopsies of suspicious cutaneous lesions for histopathologic examination and 20 MHz sonography, were performed in all patients.


RESULTS
Twenty-two of the 99 patients displayed radiation-induced cutaneous lesions. Epidermal atrophy, telangiectases, and pigment alterations were present in all these individuals. Keratotic lesions were found in 14 patients. Cutaneous fibrosis was documented in 8 individuals by the use of 20 MHz sonography, while a radiation ulcer was found in 5. In one patient, two basal cell carcinomas were found.


CONCLUSIONS
The life-long follow-up of irradiated persons is of great importance in order to identify cutaneous neoplasms at an early treatable stage.
Steinert
Marianna
M
Hospital and Clinic for Vascular Surgery and Dermatology, Ulm-Blaustein, Germany. marianna.steinert@medizin.uni-ulm.de
Weiss
Melanie
M
Gottlöber
Petra
P
Belyi
David
D
Gergel
Oleg
O
Bebeshko
Vladimir
V
Nadejina
Natalia
N
Galstian
Irina
I
Wagemaker
Gerard
G
Fliedner
Theodor Max
TM
Peter
Ralf Uwe
RU
D015331:Cohort Studies; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009381:Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced / Q000473:pathology*; D009688:Nuclear Reactors; D018788:Radioactive Hazard Release; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012426:Russia; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012867:Skin / Q000528:radiation effects*; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D013997:Time Factors; D014455:Ukraine