Radiological pulmonary findings after breast cancer irradiation: A prospective study.
The aim of this study was to evaluate radiation-induced pulmonary abnormalities of breast cancer patients. Altogether 202 consecutive patients receiving postoperative radiotherapy entered the study. Plain chest radiographs taken at entry and 3, 6 and 12 months after radiotherapy were evaluated according to modified Arriagada classification. In addition, pulmonary symptoms were recorded. Supplementary high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) was employed in a subgroup of patients (n?=?15). Plain radiographs were interpreted by a radiologist, and uncertain findings were re-evaluated by a radiologist together with a radiation oncologist. Grade 2 pneumonitis was the most common abnormality. The proportion of patients yielding a grade 2 finding was 22.5%, 28.1%, and 16.0% at three, six, and twelve months, respectively. There were 2 normal findings in HRCTscans, and 8 in plain radiographs of the same patients. Radiological lung abnormalities are common after radiotherapy, but they are usually reversible, and their significance for the patient's well-being is minor. No correlation between symptoms and lung or pleural reactions was seen.
Järvenpää
Ritva
R
Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland. ritva.jarvenpaa@pshp.fi
Holli
Kaija
K
Pitkänen
Maunu
M
Hyödynmaa
Simo
S
Rajala
Juha
J
Lahtela
Sirpa-Liisa
SL
Ojala
Antti
A
D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005387:Finland; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000528:radiation effects*; D055370:Lung Injury; D008875:Middle Aged; D011182:Postoperative Care; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D017564:Radiation Pneumonitis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D018714:Radiotherapy, Adjuvant / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed