Physiological and Radiographic Assessment During the Development of Pulmonary Radiation Fibrosis

Abstract

Repeated regional measurements of pulmonary blood flow and ventilation were performed in 25 patients irradiated for breast cancer. Patients were studied before and at varying times after (16-407 days) the start of radiotherapy. At the same time, chest radiographs were taken and symptoms were recorded. Of all parameters measured, blood flow showed the earliest and greatest decrease. Since changes in blood flow at 60 days are predictive of changes at 300 days, earlier studies during the course of irradiation could be useful in predicting long-term effects.