No abstract

SUMMARY Red cell survival was studied in 22 cirrhotic patients and in four healthy volunteers by the 51Cr method. Seven patients (32 per cent) showed a definite reduction in the apparent half survival time (51Cr T4 below 20 days). Eight patients (36 per cent) showed a borderline reduction (51Cr T4 20–24 days). Seven patients (32 per cent) showed a normal 51Cr T4 of 25 days or more. All four controls had 51Cr T4 of 25 days or more. Surface counting over the spleen showed excess spleen counts more marked in those patients with a shorter red cell life span.

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Rats treated with 131I and propylthiouracil were shown to develop thyroid tumours 7--9 months after treatment. In this group, the levels of total thyroxine and tri-iodothyronine, and free thyroxine and tri-iodothyronine in the serum were low, and that of TSH was raised. In a group of rats treated with 131I and then propylthiouracil and thyroxine, thyroid tumours were found despite normal concentrations of total and free thyroxine and tri-iodothyronine in the serum. The level of TSH in the serum was significantly raised in this group. Thyroid tumours were not found in the various control groups of rats.

The clinical presentation and radioiodine tracer results in eight cases with ectopic thyroid a re described. All patients were females, 5 cases were cretins, one patient presented with m ild hypothyroidi sm, a nd the other two patients were euthyr oid.