413. Radiother Oncol. 1990 Oct;19(2):159-67.
Different imaging methods in the assessment of radiation-induced lung injury
following hemithorax irradiation for pleural mesothelioma.
Maasilta P(1), Kivisaari L, Mattson K.
Author information:
(1)Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Helsinki University Central Hospital,
Finland.
We have characterized the radiation-induced lung injury on serial chest X-rays,
CTs and ultralow field MRs and evaluated the clinical value and cost/benefit
ratio of the different imaging methods in 30 patients receiving high-dose
hemithorax irradiation for pleural mesothelioma. Lung injury was severe in all
patients, but non-specific and essentially as described in text-books. CT
provided no clinically relevant, cost effective diagnostic advantage over
conventional X-rays in the detection of early or late radiation-induced lung
injury, but it was necessary for the evaluation of the disease status of
mesothelioma. The possible advantage of MR over CT could not be evaluated and
needs further studies. Optimal time-points for imaging CTs or MRs to detect early
radiation-induced lung injury following high dose hemithorax irradiation were
during the latter part of treatment or very shortly after the end of irradiation.
Late injury or irreversible fibrosis developed rapidly after 6 months and was
clearly documented by chest X-rays. We recommend serial chest X-rays at 1-2, 6
and 12 months following radiotherapy as a cost-effective method for the detection
of radiation-induced lung injury with additional CTs to document the stage of
mesothelioma, when needed.
PMID: 2123988 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]