Clinical features of pulmonary diseases among the Chernobyl catastrophe liquidators

Abstract

The aerosol radiation damage of airways was registered among Chernobyl catastrophe liquidators. There are few scientific data of aerosol radiation damage of airways. 9 liquidators — males at the age of 33—43 — were examined in our institute. They worked in highly dusted atmosphere that caused the inhalation of radioactive dust. The chronic obstructive bronchitis was diagnosed in 4 cases and chronic bronchitis with purulent sputum- in 4 cases and bronchial asthma — in 1 case. All patients were healthy before 1986. The first symptoms of the disease were found in 3 cases when the patients worked on atomic station in 1986 and in 6 cases — 3—6 years later. The specific feature of the disease was torpide inflammatory process with progressive respiratory failure. The pulmonary function testing demonstrated the obstructive abnormalities and the reduction of diffusing lung capacity. The examination of BAL discovered- the macrophages with polygonal optically dense particles in their cytoplasm. X-ray spectral analysis showed the existence of Np, FR, Pm, Pa, Pu in these particles. Thus, we suppose that inhaled radionuclides may play a significant role in the genesis of respiratory abnormalities for this patients category.