A case for steroids in acute lung injury associated with the retinoic acid syndrome

A 62-year-old woman with acute promyelocytic leukaemia was treated with all-trans retinoic acid. On day 2 she suffered with dyspnoea and general fatigue. Marked hypoxia suggested the occurrence of retinoic acid syndrome. She underwent endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation with the administration of dexamethasone. Her symptoms promptly abated. She was subsequently treated with conventional chemotherapy and achieved complete remission.