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Updated: Jul 10, 2026

Experimental Model to Evaluate Resolution of Pneumonia
09:49

Experimental Model to Evaluate Resolution of Pneumonia

Published on: February 17, 2023

[Fever, pneumonia and eosinophilia]

D Berger1, W Pichler, S Savic

  • 1Medizinische Klinik, Bürgerspital Solothurn.

Praxis
|October 31, 2007
PubMed

Insights

A 71-year-old man developed acute eosinophilic pneumonia, a serious lung condition. Mefenamic acid, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, was identified as the likely cause through diagnostic testing.

Area of Science:

  • Pulmonology
  • Allergology
  • Clinical Pharmacology

Background:

  • Acute eosinophilic pneumonia (AEP) is a rare but severe lung disease.
  • Drug-induced hypersensitivity is an important differential diagnosis for AEP.

Observation:

  • A 71-year-old male presented with symptoms suggestive of acute eosinophilic pneumonia.
  • Extensive investigations ruled out common causes of AEP.
  • A positive lymphocyte transformation test implicated mefenamic acid.

Findings:

  • Mefenamic acid, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), was identified as the probable causative agent.
  • The patient's condition was consistent with a drug-induced allergic reaction manifesting as AEP.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the importance of considering NSAIDs in the differential diagnosis of AEP.
  • Early identification and withdrawal of the offending drug are crucial for managing drug-induced AEP.
  • Awareness of NSAID-induced pulmonary reactions can prevent potentially life-threatening outcomes.

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