Pneumonitis: a “high suspicion” diagnosis

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Pneumonitis in relation with interferon in a patient with melanoma

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Plain X-ray from the same patient

The lungs are very sensitive to injury, but we don´t have a serological marker for its detection like the increase in enzymes that we see after hepatic damage. Usually cough, rales or mild dyspnea are the initial symptoms of pulmonary toxicity related with drugs.  A plain X-ray can be considered normal. Only a high index of suspicion  and a CAT/scan can help to make the diagnosis and a proper treatment in this threatening situation.

 

 

 

 

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