THE ACUTE RADIATION SYNDROME IN MAN

Abstract

Penetrating irradiation produces a variety of signs and symptoms within the human body, which are detd. by the amount of radiation and individual and tissue sensitivity. The effects include cellular stromal and vascular changes, and the formed elements of the blood, the hematopoietic tissues, the gastro-intestinal mucosa, and the germinal epithelium are the most sensitive tissues in the body. The acute radiation syndrome may occur in a fulminating form, a hemorrhagic form and a pancytopenic form. Treatment is non-specific but it is probable that many patients in the latter two groups could be salvaged with appropriate therapy.