Radiation injury of the gastrointestinal tract. Pathogenesis, protection and treatment. Poskozeni zazivaciho traktu ionizujicim zarenim, patogeneze, ochrana a moznosti lecby

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Svoboda, V; Mandel, L [Vojenska Lekarska Akademie, Hradec Kralove (Czechoslovakia)

1990-01-01

The review deals in detail with all aspects of the gastrointestinal syndrome following irradiation with various doses. After the action of low doses, 10 to 15 Gy, a fraction of unaffected hemopoietic tissues remains preserved, and spontaneous repair of the intestinal mucosa and survival take place. In the first 24 hours after irradiation, the following symptoms appear: vomiting, anorexia, arterial pressure drop, tachycardia, blockage of gastric secretion, hyperglycemia, blockage of mitoses in the active tissues, increased secretion of urea, etc. In 24 to 72 hours after irradiation, seeming adjustment takes place and depletion of the intestinal mucosa sets in. In 72 hours, edema of the submucosa, hemorrhage and diarrhea appear and depletion of lymphatic tissues commences. The last stage is agony and death. A detailed description is given of the kinetics of the intestinal epithelium and of its changes following irradiation, changes in the resorption and in the enzymatic activity of the intestine and of infections. Changes in the bile are also described. The various methods of treating the gastrointestinal syndrome are discussed; these include a dietary regimen, hypoxia, acholia, temporary ligation of the pancreatic duct, and chemoprotection. (M.D.). 195 refs.