[Radiation pneumonitis: a rare and potentially severe pneumonia. Usefulness of corticosteroids].
We report a 80-year-old woman who presented with asthenia, confusion and abdominal pain, leading to a diagnosis of severe pneumonia complicated by a colonic pseudo-obstruction. The unfavourable outcome with antibiotic treatment and a recent past medical history of thoracic radiotherapy pointed to a possible diagnosis of radiation pneumonitis. Absence of other explanation and the rapid improvement with corticosteroids confirmed this rare and potentially serious diagnosis, especially among elderly people.
Guilhem
A
A
Unité de médecine interne et soins aigus gériatriques, centre Antonin-Balmes, CHU de Montpellier, 39, avenue Charles-Flahault, 34295 Montpellier cedex 5, France.
Celton
B
B
Terminet
A
A
Pavio
C
C
Raschilas
F
F
Blain
H
H
D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017564:Radiation Pneumonitis; D012720:Severity of Illness Index
D005938:Glucocorticoids; D008775:Methylprednisolone