Increased intensity of lung infiltrates at the side of lung cancer in patients with lung cancer associated with pulmonary fibrosis

It has been reported that lung cancer is frequently associated with idiopat hic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The purpose of this study was to compare the intensity of lung infiltrates between the side associated with lung cancer and the side without lung cancer. Twenty-three patients (24 lung cancers) w ith primary lung cancer associated with pulmonary fibrosis were retrospecti vely evaluated. Chest CT findings were evaluated by three expert radiologis ts using the intensity scores. In 16 of the 23 patients, ii was possible to compare the intensity of lung infiltrates between both sides of the lungs. As a result, increased intensity at the side in which lung cancer develope d was demonstrated in 12 of 16 patients (75%). In the remaining four patien ts, intensity of lung infiltrates was the same in both lungs. In operated p atients as well as autopsied patients, it was possible to evaluate the path ological findings of lung tissues around cancer cells. This study clearly d emonstrates that the intensity of lung infiltrates increased at the side in which lung cancer developed. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All ri ghts reserved.