26
somewhat greater in the exposed group in 1964
than in the unexposed comparison population.

These abnormalities consist of polychromatic
sheen, lenticular opacities ofall degrees, and cataracts. The polychromatic sheen was noted as the
earliest lens change and varied from a few fine
granules in the earlier cases to large granular
plaques in the more advanced cases. These plaques

were situated on the posterior lens capsule in the
zone of specular reflection. The earliest cases

showed yellowish granules which in some cases
appeared slightly darker with a “beaten brass”
color. As the granules coalesce into a plaque,

greenish and bluish hues appear - hence the name
poiychromatic sheen.

Whetherthe polychromatic sheen seen following irradiation has unique and specific characteristics is still a debatable question. Some investigators contend that similar appearing changes
can be detected in patients with retinitis pigmentosa and the early stages of cataracts which
might be a complication of endogenous ocularor
systemic disease or intoxication. Such polychro-

matic sheens were seen in 21% of the unirradiated
Rongelap group and 26.5% of the exposed group.
This difference is thought to be too small to implicate irradiation exposure with any degree of certainty, particularly in view of the slightly greater
numberof older people in the exposed group. The
incidenceof lenticular opacities wasalso slightly
greater in the exposed group (19%) than in the unexposed group (12%).
Only one child (an 8-year-old female) complained of defective night vision, This was thought
to be due to vitamin A deficiency, since there were

no pathological changes in the fundusofeithereye.

Several years ago 12 children were encountered
who had greatdifficulty in seeing at night. These

children responded promptly with vitamin A
treatment and dietary changes.

Only two cases were noted with corneal pigmentation, previously seen in three cases (1962). This
pigmentation was characterized by fine, dark,

linear streak of pigment lying close to or on Bow-

man’s membranein the horizontal axis between
the limbus and pupillary edge. It is believed that
these changes may have been induced from beta
radiation contaminating margins ofthe eyelids at
the time of the accident.

There were several findings which may bere-

sidual to the poliomyelitis epidemic of 1963: two

Table t7
Residual “Beta Burns”
Subject

No.

Age

Sex

Data

2

12

M_

Roughening and pigment variation
on front of neck. Several pigmented
macules ACF.* Perianai depigmentation.

3

11

M

Mottled pigmentation both axiliae.
Pigmented area behind left ear.

11

60

M_

Pigment changes left ACF, dorsum
first ight toe; pigmented nevi axilla.

F

Scarring and pigmentation left ACF.

17

13

20

17

M_

23

14

M_

Pigmented macules left axilla, front

24

23

F

Slight pigment variation on front of

Pigmented patch back of neck.
of neck and chest. Depigmented spocs
shaft penis.
neck; severai pigmented macules
dorsum left foot.

34

35

F

Slight roughening and pigmentation
back of neck. Moles on frone of neck.

39

25

F

Slight roughening and pigmentation
back of neck; pigment variations and
slight hyperpigmenration dorsum

49°

25

F

54

11

M

59

44

F

63

46

F

Slight rugosity and pigmented ridges
on back of neck.

64

40

F

Mole back of neck: slight pigment
variation and a few macules tront ot
neck,

65

1

F

Pigment variation and roughening
front of neck.

67

24

F

73

22

78

47

FF

79

+9

M_

right foot.

Numerous pigmented macules both

sides of neck and a few on arms and
ACF.
Mottled pigmentation and depigmentation on front of neck.

Mottled pigmentation and depig-

mentation on back of neck.

Depigmented scars dorsum left foot.
Slight pigmented area dorsum right
first roe,

Numerous pedunculated moles on
sides and front of neck.

Pigmented and depigmented scar

posterior surface ieft ear.

*ACF =antecubital fossa.

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