Bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia (BOOP) after thoracic radiotherapy for breast carcinoma

Radiat Oncol. 2007 Jan 3:2:2. doi: 10.1186/1748-717X-2-2.

Abstract

Common complications of thoracic radiotherapy include esophagitis and radiation pneumonitis. However, it is important to be aware of uncommon post-radiotherapy complications such as bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia (BOOP). We report on two patients with carcinoma of the breast who developed an interstitial lung disease consistent with BOOP. BOOP responds to treatment with corticosteroids and the prognosis is generally good despite of the need for long-term administration of corticosteroids as relapses can occur during tapering of steroids. This report provides guidelines for the evaluation and treatment of patients with pulmonary infiltrates after radiotherapy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Breast Neoplasms / complications*
  • Breast Neoplasms / radiotherapy*
  • Carcinoma / complications*
  • Carcinoma / diagnostic imaging*
  • Cryptogenic Organizing Pneumonia / diagnosis*
  • Cryptogenic Organizing Pneumonia / diagnostic imaging
  • Cryptogenic Organizing Pneumonia / etiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lung / diagnostic imaging
  • Middle Aged
  • Radiation Injuries
  • Radiation Pneumonitis / diagnostic imaging
  • Radiation Pneumonitis / etiology*
  • Radiotherapy / adverse effects*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods