Nonsegmental ventilation-perfusion scintigraphy mismatch after radiation therapy.

PURPOSE

This report illustrates the utility of ventilation-perfusion scintigraphy in differentiating radiation pneumonitis from other causes of dyspnea, including pulmonary embolism, heart failure, obstructive tumor, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A nonsegmental mismatched perfusion abnormality, which exactly conformed to a radiation port, was diagnostic of radiation pneumonitis.

CONCLUSION

In patients with lung tumors presenting with dyspnea, ventilation-perfusion scintigraphy may be useful in diagnosing radiation pneumonitis and effectively excluding other causes of dyspnea.