Bronchiolitis obliterans. A new clinical-pathologic complication of irradiation pneumonitis.
A patient underwent chest irradiation for small-cell carcinoma of the left lung. Several weeks following cessation of irradiation, the patient developed hypoxemia and reticulonodular densities within the radiation port. Open lung biopsy yielded a pathologic diagnosis consistent with irradiation pneumonitis along with a previously unreported association, bronchiolitis obliterans. Bronchiolitis obliterans should be included in the pathologic description of irradiation pneumonitis.
Kaufman
J
J
Division of General Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee.
Komorowski
R
R
D001706:Biopsy; D001989:Bronchiolitis Obliterans / Q000209:etiology*; D018288:Carcinoma, Small Cell / Q000532:radiotherapy; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000528:radiation effects; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011014:Pneumonia / Q000209:etiology*; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects*