We studied clinical and clinico-pathological aspect of rediation pneumonitis. Selected cases totalled 25 cases who fulfilled the following criteria, 1; more than 30 Gy rediation in the lung fields, 2; autopsy cases in which chest X-ray findings and autopsied lungs could be well correlated. Radiation pneumonitis was seen in 18 cases (72%) and radiation pneumonitis was observed 16 days after completion of radiation therapy (mean). Several patterns of radiation pneumonitis were observed. 1.

more »

... ic group (9 cases) which was associated with ground glass typed chest X-ray findings and intra-alveolar pneumonia, histologically. 2. Cough only group (2 cases). 3. Asymptomatic group (7 cases) which was associated with reticular type chest X-ray findings and interstitial pneumonia histologically. The effect of steroid therapy was considered good in the fever group and early administration of prednisolone (30 to 40 mg) was effective for symptom and improvement of chest X-ray findings. Nevertheless bacterial pneumonia is a frequent cause if death in the fevere group and cereful follow-up and suitable therapy for bacterial pneumonia is essential to prevent early death.