Bleomycin-induced fibrosis in pigs: evaluation with CT.
OBJECTIVE
To establish an animal model for use in evaluation of early morphologic changes of pulmonary fibrosis by means of precise correlation of findings at thin-section computed tomography (CT) and pathologic findings.


METHODS
Bleomycin (1.0-2.5 U per kilogram of body weight) was delivered selectively into the left lower lobe bronchus via balloon catheter in five Yorkshire pigs. Sequential CT examinations were performed at regular intervals. The animals were killed at follow-up of 5 days to 4 weeks. At autopsy, the lungs were removed, inflated, fixed and dried, and subsequently sliced into sections that corresponded to the CT sections. The fixed lungs were examined with thin-section CT, radiography, and histologic studies.


RESULTS
There was good correlation between pathologic findings at CT and specimen radiography. Histologic study revealed signs of pneumonitis and developing fibrosis.


CONCLUSIONS
This disease model is suitable for radiologic and pathologic evaluation of interstitial fibrosis. CT was sensitive in detection of bleomycin-induced abnormalities.
Balazs
G
G
Department of Radiology, Long Island Jewish Medical Center, Long Island Campus for Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New Hyde Park, NY 11042.
Noma
S
S
Khan
A
A
Eacobacci
T
T
Herman
P G
PG
D000818:Animals; D001761:Bleomycin / Q000633:toxicity*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D008168:Lung / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D011658:Pulmonary Fibrosis / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D013552:Swine; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
D001761:Bleomycin