Two cases of bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia syndrome after the radiation of breast-conserving therapy

Bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia (BOOP) syndrome is a recently reported complication of the adjuvant radiotherapy of breast-conserving surgery. We report two cases of BOOP syndrome in 100 patients who underwent breast-conserving therapy. A 75 year-old woman had a cough 3 months after radiation therapy for cancer of the left breast. Chest radiography and computed tomography showed consolidation with air bronchograms in the upper left lung. Transbronchial lung biopsy showed lymphocyte infiltration and fibrosis in the alveoli. A 45-year old woman with bilateral breast cancer had a cough and palpitations for 3 month after radiation therapy for cancer of the right breast. Chest radiography and computed tomography showed consolidation in upper and middle fields of the left lung. Transbronchial lung biopsy showed granulation formation in the alveolar duct, which is a typical feature of BOOP. The symptoms and radiographic findings improved with oral administration of prednisolone. BOOP syndrome may occur as a complication of breast-conserving therapy. (author)