BLEOMYCIN-INDUCED FIBROSIS IN PIGS - EVALUATION WITH CT

PURPOSE: To establish an animal model for use in evaluation of early m orphologic changes of pulmonary fibrosis by means of precise correlati on of findings at thin-section computed tomography (CT) and pathologic findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bleomycin (1.0-2.5 U per kilogram of body weight) was delivered selectively into the left lower lobe bronc hus via balloon catheter in five Yorkshire pigs. Sequential CT examina tions were performed at regular intervals. The animals were killed at follow-up of 5 days to 4 weeks. At autopsy, the lungs were removed, in flated, fixed and dried, and subsequently sliced into sections that co rresponded to the CT sections. The fixed lungs were examined with thin -section CT, radiography, and histologic studies. RESULTS: There was g ood correlation between pathologic findings at CT and specimen radiogr aphy. Histologic study revealed signs of pneumonitis and developing fi brosis. CONCLUSIONS: This disease model is suitable for radiologic and pathologic evaluation of interstitial fibrosis. CT was sensitive in d etection of bleomycin-induced abnormalities.