Filling in of radiation therapy-induced bronchiectatic change: A reliable sign of locally recurrent lung cancer

PURPOSE: To determine if filling in of radiation therapy-induced bronchiectatic change is a reliable computed tomographic (CT) sign of locally recurrent lung cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 28 patients who were free of disease and had stable radiation therapy-induced consolidation in ectatic bronchi at least 9 months after completion of radiation therapy for non-small cell lung cancer. Serial CT scans were retrospectively reviewed for evidence of local recurrence. RESULTS: Filling in of previously patent ectatic bronchi occurred in the 20 patients with recurrent disease. Filling in was the first sign of recurrence in six patients (30%), was seen concurrently with other evidence of local recurrence in 11 (55%), and was seen after the occurrence of other signs in three (15%). Eight patients with stable radiation-induced fibrosis and patent bronchi remained disease free. CONCLUSION: Filling in of radiation therapy-induced bronchiectatic change is a reliable CT sign of locally recurrent lung cancer.