A. Pezzuto, A. Ricci, T. Palermo, C. Salvucci, G. Pelosi, F. Stirpe, A. Gallippi, I. Pace, E. Chichi, E. Carico

S. Andrea Hospital, Department of Cardiovascular and Respiratory Sciences, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy. pezzutoaldo@libero.it

BACKGROUND: Immunotherapy is a widely used and effective therapy for lung malignancy. However, its acting on the immune system can cause several adverse effects.

CASE REPORT: This is a case of a 74-year-old male who was admitted to the department of pulmonology due to bilateral pneumonia. The patient was treated with maintenance immunotherapy, pembrolizumab for a stage IV lung adenocarcinoma. Concomitant clinical manifestations were pleural effusion and respiratory failure, and the main comorbidities were hypertension and atrial fibrillation. The inflammatory indices, such as C-reactive protein and procalcitonin, were slightly altered, in contrast to a severely compromised clinical-radiological picture. Blood gas analysis test reported values indicative of altered gas exchange. T lymphocytopenia was found without an evident isolate of a bacterial agent. High-dose steroid treatment was initiated, and antibiotics such as cephalosporins have been administered.

CONCLUSIONS: The patient reported a good clinical response due to a poorly modified radiological picture.

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A. Pezzuto, A. Ricci, T. Palermo, C. Salvucci, G. Pelosi, F. Stirpe, A. Gallippi, I. Pace, E. Chichi, E. Carico
Discrepancy between clinical and radiological responses in non-infectious pneumonia during immunotherapy: a case report

Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci
Year: 2025
Vol. 29 - N. 2
Pages: 97-101
DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202502_37100