title: Radiological pulmonary findings after breast cancer irradiation: A prospective study.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland. ritva.jarvenpaa@pshp.fi
authors.forename: Ritva
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Järvenpää
authors.forename: Kaija
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Holli
authors.forename: Maunu
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pitkänen
authors.forename: Simo
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hyödynmaa
authors.forename: Juha
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Rajala
authors.forename: Sirpa-Liisa
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Lahtela
authors.forename: Antti
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ojala
mesh_terms: 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