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Updated: Aug 9, 2026
04:44
Imaging Features of Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease
Published on: June 16, 2020
[Azathioprine-associated interstitial pneumonitis]
Ferenc Nagy1, Tamás Molnár, Eva Makula
1Szegedi Tudományegyetem, Szent-Györgyi Albert Orvos- és Gyógyszerésztudományi Centrum, Altalános Orvostudományi Kar, Szeged I. Belgyógyászati Klinika. agyferi@in1st.szote.u-szeged.hu
Orvosi Hetilap
|April 14, 2006
Summary
Azathioprine can cause rare interstitial pneumonia, a serious side effect. Discontinuing the drug and using steroids can resolve lung inflammation in patients with ulcerative colitis.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Immunology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Azathioprine is a common immunosuppressant for inflammatory bowel disease.
- Known side effects include hypersensitivity and bone marrow suppression.
- Interstitial pneumonia is a rare but serious complication.
Observation:
- A 40-year-old male with a decade of ulcerative colitis developed fever, cough, and respiratory symptoms.
- Opportunistic infections were excluded.
- Imaging and lung biopsy confirmed interstitial inflammation.
Findings:
- Azathioprine was identified as the likely cause of the pulmonary infiltrate.
- Discontinuation of azathioprine and corticosteroid therapy led to gradual resolution of lung infiltrates.
- Ulcerative colitis relapsed three months later, necessitating surgery.
Implications:
- Atypical pneumonia in patients on azathioprine warrants consideration of drug-induced lung injury.
- Prompt drug cessation and supportive care can reverse azathioprine-associated interstitial pneumonitis.
- This case highlights the importance of monitoring for rare pulmonary complications of immunosuppressive therapy.
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