Published online Oct 26, 2021. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v9.i30.9108
Peer-review started: January 27, 2021
First decision: August 18, 2021
Revised: August 18, 2021
Accepted: September 14, 2021
Article in press: September 14, 2021
Published online: October 26, 2021
Processing time: 266 Days and 21.3 Hours
As immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have become widely used in lung cancer treatment, immune-related adverse events (irAEs) warrant sufficient attention. Checkpoint inhibitor-related pneumonitis (CIP) is one of the most concerning adverse events as it is uncommon but life threatening.
The patient whose case is reported here experienced three episodes of CIP in a span of 4 mon. Interestingly, the three episodes of CIP involved different regions of the lung separately. Taking these pneumonitis areas together makes nearly a whole lung area.
This case showed that recurrent CIPs may occur repeatedly until the whole lung is involved, suggesting that the follow-up period of CIP should be long enough, and the rechallenge of ICI should be done with due caution.
Core Tip: Checkpoint inhibitor-related pneumonitis (CIP) is one of the most concerning adverse events as it is uncommon but life threatening. This is the first case report on the unique dynamic changes in the radiologic features of CIP. This case showed that recurrent CIPs may occur repeatedly until the whole lung is involved, indicating that the follow-up period of CIP should be long enough, and the rechallenge of immune checkpoint inhibitor should be done with due caution.