feature lacking of a typical post cataract secondary to radiation would
be the extension of fine full lines of opacification toward the equatorial
region. On the other hand, the posterior polar cataracts on a congenital
_basis, are associated with remnants of the hyaloid artery systems, are
more solid and are not as fluffy and vacuolated as this beaten gold type
of opacification is. The stated radiation dosage is admittedly minimum.
However, this could be an unusual sensitivity of the germinal epithelium
to a low volume of radiation. This could, on the other hand, be a
precocious senile change which was diagnosed at the age of 35....My
impressionis that this is, in fact, an early senile change which is probably
progressive,
With respect to the question of whether or not the claimant should be
allowed to continue in her present employment and to have continued
exposure to low levels of radiation the eye specialist said:
1 feel there Is enough doubt as to the relationship between the
radiation and lens change as to advise the patient to seek employment in
another field, particularly if there is any progression as observation is
continued.
In September 1965, a repeat eye examination showed no progression of the
lesions. She continued to have periodic eye examinations as recommended and
an examination in January 1970 showed that in addition to the central
posterior opacities, peripheral opacities had developed at the lens equator.
In a teport dated April 1970 the Bureau’s Medical Directorstated:
...the report of January 13, 1970 does show a minimal
progression with some spotting in the upper half of the lens.
I must conclude, therefore, that the slight progression of these
cataracts, subcapsular in type, were initiated or certainly aggravated by
the radiation exposure.
The Bureau's Medical Director recommended continued observation at the
Public Health Service Hospital and fens extraction when that becomes
ne
At this time claimant stated that her film badge now read 3 rem and that
this was her total dose over a 14 year period.
BEC’: Decision: The Bureau approved the claim on the basis that the
progression of her cataracts was causally related to her exposure during
employment. However, no compensation benefits were payable as claimant had
no lost time from work due to her condition.
* On her last eye examination in February 1971, the petient complained of some
Wusring of vision in the right eye. On examination the patient had a fittle further
progression of her lenticular opacities both centrally and equatorially. Vision in the right
eye was 20/70 and the left eye 20/50. Refraction was -0.75 +1.25 x 00 = 20/50+in the
right and -0.504 1.25 x 80 = 20/20 in the left with a +2.00 add for near.
140
CASE NO. 45
Type ofInjury: Leukopenia.
BEC's Decision: Compensation Denied.
Date of Decision: 1979.
Qaimant’s Allegation: That his leukopenia resujted from radiation to which he
was exposed during his work as a medical X-ray technician.
Facts: Claimant is a 30 year old medical radiology technician employed in 8
at
government hospital. His work history showed that he was first employed
this hospital on August 28, 1967. Following graduation from high school in
1958 he trained and worked as a medical X-ray technician for two years in a
n at
private hospital. The following seven years he was chief X-ray technicia
that hospital. Evidence indicated that his training was very good, that
protection against X-ray was stressed and that radiation protection in his work
enviroment was good. In July 1968 the chief of the laboratory service of the
hospital reported to the chief of the hospital’s outpatient service that repeated
examinations of claimant’s blood revealed a persistent leukopenia.
of
Re-evaluation of the case in August 1968 revealed a provisional diagnosis
dated
records
badge
film
Hospital
origin”.
unknown
“Persistent Leukopenia of
March 1, 1959 through March 10, 1959 showed a total exposure of 13 mr.
Film badge records from September 1960 through October 1967 showed a
total cumulative exposure of 1460 mr.
Medical Evidence: In view of the continuous employment of the employee in
the hospital’s X-ray department, a medical recommendation for further
made.
investigation into the possibility of X-ray induced leukopenia was
ist
hematolog
a
by
examined
was
claimant
the
Accordingly, in December 1968
who reported as follows:
... present and recent hematology studies reveal a white blood count
{and neutrophile count) in the jow-normal range. 1 would think it very
important from both 2 diagnostic and psychologic viewpoint, to perform
a bone marrow aspiration in the near future. Whether there is an X-ray
effect at present can only be speculative . ...
The bone marrow aspiration was performed on December 12, 1968 and
reviewed by the hematologist who reported:
_.. marrow was of normal cellularity and all elements were present.
14]