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Radiation pneumonitis complicating mediastinal radiotherapy postpneumonectomy
T Shulimzon1, S Apter, R Weitzen
1Division of Respiratory Medicine, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel.
The European Respiratory Journal
|December 1, 1996
Summary
Radiation pneumonitis can occur after pneumonectomy and mediastinal radiotherapy. Lung shift into the radiation field can cause unexpected radiation pneumonitis, highlighting the need for careful treatment planning.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Radiotherapy
Background:
- Radiation pneumonitis is a known complication of thoracic radiotherapy.
- Lung injury severity is linked to the irradiated lung volume.
Observation:
- Two patients developed radiation pneumonitis after pneumonectomy and mediastinal radiotherapy.
- Post-surgical lung shift placed lung parenchyma within mediastinal radiation portals.
Findings:
- Pulmonary-mediastinal shift led to clinically unsuspected radiation pneumonitis.
- The extent of lung parenchyma in the radiation field was a key factor.
Implications:
- Chest CT can assess lung shift post-pneumonectomy.
- Radiotherapy fields require careful optimization to prevent lung injury in these patients.