Sections View Full Chapter Figures Tables Videos Annotate Full Chapter Figures Tables Videos Supplementary Content + Download Section PDF Listen ++ For further information, see CMDT Part 9-34: Radiation Lung Injury + Key Features Download Section PDF Listen +++ ++ Acute disease usually presents 2–3 months after completion of radiation therapy Late disease may develop 6–12 months after completion of radiation Radiographic findings correlate poorly with symptoms Resolution typically occurs after 2–3 weeks; death from acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is unusual + Clinical Findings Download Section PDF Listen +++ ++ Insidious onset of dyspnea, dry cough, chest fullness or pain, weakness, and fever Inspiratory crackles may be heard In severe disease, respiratory distress and cyanosis may be present Leukocytosis and elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) are common + Diagnosis Download Section PDF Listen +++ ++ Chest radiograph usually shows alveolar or nodular opacity limited to the irradiated area; air bronchograms are common Pulmonary function tests: reduced volumes, compliance, and diffusion capacity Hypoxemia + Treatment Download Section PDF Listen +++ ++ Aspirin, cough suppression, and bed rest Corticosteroid therapy Not been proved effective If given, prednisone (1 mg/kg/day orally) is usually used for 1 week, then dose is reduced to 20–40 mg/day for several weeks before a slow taper