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Updated: Jul 10, 2026

09:49
Experimental Model to Evaluate Resolution of Pneumonia
Published on: February 17, 2023
[Fever, pneumonia and eosinophilia]
Praxis
|October 31, 2007
Summary
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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