Cryptogenic organizing pneumonia after radiotherapy for breast cancer

Breast Cancer. 2005;12(3):243-7. doi: 10.2325/jbcs.12.243.

Abstract

We report a case of lasting fever and cough with pulmonary infiltrates progressing 4 months after adjuvant radiotherapy following surgery for breast cancer. Chest radiography and computed tomography demonstrated alveolar opacities outside the irradiated pulmonary area. Laboratory data revealed neutrophilia and increased levels of C-reactive protein. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid displayed increased lymphocyte counts, and transbronchial lung biopsy revealed histological patterns compatible with cryptogenic organizing pneumonia (COP). Corticosteroid therapy resulted in marked clinical improvement. From the histological and clinical findings, this case was judged to be a case of COP induced after radiotherapy for breast cancer, similar to those reported recently.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / therapeutic use
  • Breast Neoplasms / radiotherapy*
  • Breast Neoplasms / surgery
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Mastectomy
  • Mastectomy, Segmental
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasms, Second Primary / radiotherapy*
  • Prednisolone / therapeutic use
  • Radiation Pneumonitis / drug therapy
  • Radiation Pneumonitis / etiology*
  • Radiotherapy / adverse effects*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones
  • Prednisolone