pneumonitis
Pronunciation: new-moh-NYE-tis
Inflammation of lung tissue, commonly occurring as a side effect of thoracic radiation therapy or certain chemotherapy agents.
Full Definition
Pneumonitis refers to inflammatory changes in lung parenchyma that can occur as an acute or chronic complication of cancer treatment, particularly radiation therapy to the chest or certain systemic therapies like bleomycin or checkpoint inhibitors. Unlike pneumonia, pneumonitis is typically non-infectious and represents a toxic or immune-mediated response. In oncologic radiology, pneumonitis appears as ground-glass opacities, consolidation, or organizing pneumonia patterns. Medical editors must distinguish between radiation pneumonitis, drug-induced pneumonitis, and infectious pneumonia when reviewing treatment-related adverse events.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from pneumonia (infectious) and pulmonary fibrosis (chronic scarring). Often requires specification of cause (radiation vs drug-induced).
In Context
- "The patient developed Grade 2 pneumonitis six weeks after completion of concurrent chemoradiation." — Clinical case report
- "CT imaging revealed bilateral pneumonitis consistent with immune checkpoint inhibitor toxicity." — Adverse event report