Cholagiocarcinoma in a patient previously given thorotrast.

The long-term effects of thorotrast administration include local granulomas, blood cell abnormalities, and cancer. To date, more than 100 cases of liver cancer have been reported in patients previously given this radioactive contrast material, with a latency period of approximately 22 years. We report such a case; the patient not only had a thorotrast-induced cholangiocarcinoma, but also showed striking morphologic changes in the red blood cells secondary to splenic dysfunction.