[Bagassosis. Allergic pneumonitis in an industrial employer (author's transl)].

A clinical observation of bagassosis in an industrial employer is reported. The disease had an acute initial onset with severe respiratory distress and roentgenographic image of pulmonary diffuse nodular infiltrates. Clinical manifestations and radiographic pattern disappeared after 4 months of corticosteroid therapy. Bagassosis is an allergic pneumonitis of hypersensitivity; other cases published up to the present time are reviewed as well as clinical symptoms, roentgenologic pattern, pathological findings and immunological origin corresponding to this condition. Bagassosis was first reported in 1937, it is an uncommon disease and its different forms of clinical presentation may lead to misdiagnosis. Cessation of exposure usually results in complete recovery.