Radiobiology > Deterministic Effects > Whole Body Irradiation Syndromes > Introduction


Whole Body Irradiation

Late sequelae of radiation exposure involve both somatic and genetic effects. The emphasis of this section will be describing somatic effects.

In addition to a prodromal syndrome, there are three distinct clinical courses observed after acute, high-dose exposure to radiation - all three are associated with a high degree of lethality. With the exception of the Cerebrovascular syndrome, all syndromes are marked by a relatively asymptomatic a latent period.

The human LD50/60 for whole body radiation, estimated from animal data, is ~325 rads (3.25 Gy).

Note: With the possible exception of certain interventional procedures, it is highly unlikely diagnostic studies would expose patients to doses with risk of a lethal syndrome.