14 May 2012
Amiodarone induced pulmonary toxicity: An unusual response to steroids
Jalaj Garg, Nikhil Agrawal, Abhishek Marballi, Sahil Agrawal, Naveen Rawat, Sachin Sule, Stuart G. LehrmanDOI: 10.12659/AJCR.882757
Am J Case Rep 2012; 13:62-65
Abstract
Background: Amiodarone, class III anti-arrhythmic was originally introduced to treat angina pectoris, was later approved by FDA in 1985 for the treatment of ventricular arrhythmias. Despite its anti-arrhythmic properties, amiodarone is associated with side effects such as thyroid dysfunction, corneal deposits, bluish skin discoloration, neuropathy and pulmonary toxicity. Amiodarone induced pulmonary toxicity (AIPT) is one of the most serious side effect thus limiting its use.
Case Report: We encountered a 66 year old male with early onset AIPT who presented with dyspnea and chest imaging revealed extensive ground-glass opacities throughout lung parenchyma with rapid resolution of these opacities in a week following treatment with corticosteroids.
Conclusions: There have been few case reports of AIPT with complete resolution of ground glass opacities on treatment with corticosteroids, but none demonstrated a rapid response to corticosteroids. Heath care providers should withdraw amiodarone at the earliest suspicion (as illustrated in our case); any delay can potentially be fatal. This case highlights the fact that AIPT is a reversible phenomenon, provided its early recognition and treatment before fibrosis sets in This case also highlights the need to include AIPT in the differential diagnosis in any patient on amiodarone who presents with shortness of breath.
Keywords: lung toxicity, interstitial lung disease, amiodarone
In Press
Case report
Am J Case Rep In Press; DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.945747
Case report
Am J Case Rep In Press; DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.945539
Case report
Am J Case Rep In Press; DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.945795
Case report
Am J Case Rep In Press; DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.946588
Most Viewed Current Articles
21 Jun 2024 : Case report
88,518
DOI :10.12659/AJCR.944371
Am J Case Rep 2024; 25:e944371
07 Mar 2024 : Case report
50,005
DOI :10.12659/AJCR.943133
Am J Case Rep 2024; 25:e943133
20 Nov 2023 : Case report
25,154
DOI :10.12659/AJCR.941424
Am J Case Rep 2023; 24:e941424
18 Feb 2024 : Case report
22,640
DOI :10.12659/AJCR.943030
Am J Case Rep 2024; 25:e943030