[Thorotrast deposits in the RES of the liver and spleen--a rare but characteristic roentgen diagnosis].

Finely reticulated or granulated shadows of liver and spleen, as well as metal-dense shadows of abdominal lymph nodes are characteristic roentgen findings in thorotrastosis. Thorium dioxide (Thorotrast) was used as a contrast medium from 1930-1950. It yielded excellent contrast and was well tolerated, but due to its radioactivity and its long biological half-life it caused manifold late complications. The typical roentgen findings in thorotrastosis are illustrated by two cases; the importance of thorotrastosis is discussed on the basis of relevant literature.