Peracute radiation pneumonitis: A case report and review of the literature.

Progressive tendencies in curative radiation therapy approach in the treatment of bronchogenic carcinoma will generally prolong a treatment course and modify the manifestation of radiation pneumonitis. There will probably be a tendency for an earlier onset of its acute phase, especially if the irradiated lung was atelectatic with or without post-obstructive pneumonia or if there were changes of chronic pulmonary disease. A peracute phase of radiation pneumonitis after a tumor dose of 6400 cGy in 29 fractions over 48 days starting within one week after the completion of irradiation is documented and discussed. Literature dealing with clinical, pathological, pathophysiological, and radiographic manifestations of radiation pneumonitis is shortly reviewed. Usage of corticosteroid therapy in the acute phase of radiation pneumonitis is described and controversial reports on this subject are mentioned. Beneficial effect of dexamethasone in the presented case is demonstrated on sequential radiograms.