THE EFFECTS OF CHEST IRRADIATION ON PULMONARY FUNCTION*†

Abstract

Pathological changes in lung tissue following chest wall irradiation have been adequately documented in the past (1-5). However, pulmonary function has not been systematically studied. Published studies (6-9) are incomplete and the findings complicated by the original disease. In view of this and because of a desire to determine the amount of radiation which might safely be administered to the chest, a systematic study was undertaken in dogs. The results of this study follow.