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Cocaine induced eosinophilic lung disease.
1Division of Respiratory Medicine, Toronto Hospital, Ontario, Canada.
Thorax
|June 1, 1992
Summary
Crack cocaine inhalation can cause eosinophilic lung disease, characterized by fever and breathing difficulties. This steroid-responsive condition involves eosinophil buildup in the airways, resolving with corticosteroid treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Toxicology
- Pathology
Background:
- Crack cocaine use is associated with various pulmonary complications.
- Eosinophilic lung diseases encompass a group of disorders characterized by pulmonary eosinophilia.
Observation:
- A patient presented with recurrent episodes of fever, bronchoconstriction, hypoxemia, and pulmonary infiltrates.
- Laboratory analysis revealed peripheral blood and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid eosinophilia.
- Transbronchial biopsy demonstrated eosinophilic infiltration of the bronchial wall, with normal lung parenchyma.
Findings:
- The patient experienced two distinct episodes following crack cocaine inhalation.
- Symptoms resolved promptly with corticosteroid therapy.
- Histopathological findings indicated eosinophilic bronchitis rather than interstitial lung disease.
Implications:
- Eosinophilic lung disease is a potential complication of crack cocaine abuse.
- This condition appears to be responsive to corticosteroid treatment.
- Clinicians should consider crack cocaine use in patients presenting with unexplained eosinophilic lung disease.