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Updated: Jun 15, 2026
04:44
Imaging Features of Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease
Published on: June 16, 2020
[Drug-induced pulmonary interstitial disease]
J Freise1, P Wehmeier, T Welte
1Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Klinik für Pneumologie. Freise.Julia@mh-hannover.de
Deutsche Medizinische Wochenschrift (1946)
|March 4, 2010
Summary
Interstitial lung disease can be caused by medications like nitrofurantoin and amiodarone. Discontinuing the suspected drug and starting corticosteroids can improve symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Pharmacology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Two patients presented with dyspnea and cough, with one on long-term nitrofurantoin for renal calculi and the other on amiodarone for cardiac disorders.
- Both patients exhibited reduced general health and significant respiratory compromise upon admission.
Observation:
- Patient 1 showed bronchiectatic infiltrative changes on chest X-ray, while Patient 2 had extensive interstitial infiltrates on CT scan.
- Both patients had low oxygen saturation (pO(2) of 68 mm Hg), even with supplemental oxygen in one case.
Findings:
- Pulmonary changes were attributed to nitrofurantoin and amiodarone.
- Discontinuation of these drugs and initiation of corticosteroid therapy led to rapid clinical improvement in both patients.
Implications:
- Drug-induced lung disease should be considered in the differential diagnosis of interstitial lung diseases.
- While causal links can be challenging, strong suspicion warrants drug withdrawal and potential corticosteroid use for symptom management.
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