Thoracic radiographic changes after systemic hyperthermia for advanced cancer

Systemic hyperthermia is an adjuvant method of treatment used in the management of advanced cancer; the hyperthermic state is induced by either the thermal blanket or the external blood shunt method. Strict monitoring of the cardiopulmonary status, the temperature, and the fluid balance is necessary. Chest radiographs were reviewed of 61 patients undergoing hyperthermia; pre-, intra-, and posthyperthermia radiographs were compared and significant radiographic findings tabulated. Intra- and postprocedural pulmonary edema, cardiomegaly, and pleural effusions were found in a significant number of patients. The radiologist should be familiar with systemic hyperthermia as a treatment modality for metastatic cancer and with the chest radiographic alterations resulting from it.