Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 23, 2025
Author Spotlight: Enhancing Diagnostic Strategies and Biomarker Development for Comprehensive Lung Function Analysis
Published on: August 9, 2024
Changes in lung perfusion scintigraphy and pulmonary function tests in irradiated breast cancer patients
Ozlem Elmas1, Rabiye Uslu Erdemir2, Bekir Hakan Bakkal1
1Department of Radiation Oncology, Zonguldak Bulent Ecevit University, Zonguladak, Turkey.
Objective:
To investigate the utility of quantitative lung perfusion scintigraphy and pulmonary function tests in the assessment of radiation-induced lung injury.
Methods:
The prospective study was conducted at Zonguldak Bulent Ecevit University Hospital, Turkey, from May 2012 to October 2016, and comprised female breast cancer patients having undergone lung perfusion scintigraphy with Tc-99m macroaggregated albumin before and after radiotherapy. Pulmonary function tests and carbon monoxide diffusing capacity tests were also carried out on all the patients, and the relationship between treatment-related changes and its association with radiotherapy doses was analysed. Data was analysed using SPSS 19.
Results:
There were 43 patients with a median age of 49 (interquartile range: 32-71 years). Carbon monoxide diffusing capacity values at baseline showed a significant decrease at 6 and 12 months post- radiotherapy (p<0.05), while none of the parameters of the pulmonary function tests showed a significant difference (p>0.05). Also, the median percentage of perfusion studies in the irradiated lung decreased significantly (p<0.001) at 12 months post-treatment. There was significant reduction in perfusion studies of irradiated lungs (p<0.05).
Conclusions:
Carbon monoxide diffusing capacity and quantitative lung perfusion scintigraphy were found to be useful tools for the early diagnosis and monitoring of radiation-induced lung injury.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Radiological Investigation II: MRI and Ventilation Perfusion Scan
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Ventilation Perfusion Scans are two radiological investigations that offer detailed diagnostic images of the body, particularly lung structures.
MRI
MRI uses magnetic fields and radiofrequency signals to distinguish between normal and abnormal tissues. This technology provides a more detailed diagnostic image than CT scans, enabling it to characterize pulmonary nodules, stage bronchogenic carcinoma, and evaluate inflammatory activity in...
01:13Radiological Investigation III: Pulmonary Angiogram and PET Scan
Pulmonary Angiogram
A Pulmonary Angiogram is an invasive procedure involving injecting a contrast medium through a catheter threaded into the pulmonary artery or the right side of the heart to visualize the pulmonary vasculature. Computed Tomography (CT) scans have mainly replaced this...
01:25Pulmonary Function Tests
Pulmonary Function Tests are crucial diagnostic tools for assessing respiratory function, particularly in patients with chronic respiratory disorders. They comprehensively evaluate lung volumes, ventilatory function, breathing mechanics, diffusion, and gas exchange. These tests help diagnose pulmonary diseases and play a significant role in monitoring disease progression, evaluating disability, and assessing response to therapy.
PFTs involve using a spirometer, a...
01:25Imaging Studies II: Positron Emission Tomography and Scintigraphy
Fundamental Principles of PET
01:30Radiological Investigation I: X-ray and CT
01:29Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care