[Sirolimus-associated interstitial pneumonitis in a renal transplant patient]

Sirolimus is a new immunosuppressive drug used in organ transplantation, particularly in renal transplantation. In the future, it could replace calcineurin inhibitors such as cyclosporine. It is currently associated with side effects, such as thrombocytopenia and hyperlipidemia. Several interstitial pneumonitis associated with sirolimus has been previously described in renal transplant recipients associated with marked general symptoms.

We report on a 65-year-old renal recipient presenting with a non typical case of sirolimus interstitial pneumonitis. He presented with fever and marked general symptoms for several months. CT scan showed a unilateral interstitial pneumonitis. After infectious, inflammatory and tumoral diseases were ruled out, sirolimus associated interstitial pneumonitis was evoked. The patient improved quickly after discontinuation of sirolimus.

It is important to evoke, after eliminating other aetiologies, sirolimus induced pneumonitis in face of an organ transplant recipient presenting with marked general symptoms even if the pulmonary symptoms are not predominant.