Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 14, 2026
04:44
Imaging Features of Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease
Published on: June 16, 2020
[Interstitial pneumonia related to mesalamine]
1Service de gastroentérologie et de médecine interne, hôpital militaire Moulay Ismail Meknes, Maroc. taoufik_lamsiah@yahoo.fr <taoufik_lamsiah@yahoo.fr>
Gastroenterologie Clinique Et Biologique
|March 20, 2010
Summary
Mesalazine, used to treat ulcerative colitis, can cause interstitial pneumonia as a drug-related adverse effect. Symptoms resolved upon discontinuation and reappeared with reintroduction of the medication.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Pulmonology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease.
- Mesalazine (5-aminosalicylic acid) is a common treatment for UC, administered orally or via enema.
- Drug-induced lung injury is a potential complication of various medications.
Observation:
- A 57-year-old woman with an 8-year history of UC developed diffuse interstitial pneumonia.
- The patient was receiving mesalazine for her UC.
- Respiratory symptoms improved after discontinuing mesalazine and recurred upon its reintroduction.
Findings:
- A strong causal link was established between mesalazine use and the development of interstitial pneumonia.
- The patient experienced a complete resolution of respiratory symptoms after mesalazine withdrawal.
- The adverse drug reaction was confirmed by the recurrence of symptoms upon mesalazine re-administration.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering mesalazine as a potential cause of interstitial pneumonia in patients with ulcerative colitis.
- Clinicians should be vigilant for respiratory symptoms in patients treated with mesalazine.
- Prompt diagnosis and discontinuation of the offending agent are crucial for managing drug-induced lung disease.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Drugs for Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis in IBD
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory condition primarily affecting the colon and rectum. The primary drugs used in the treatment of ulcerative colitis are aminosalicylates. They exhibit anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. They modulate inflammatory mediators and inhibit the activity of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB). Aminosalicylates also reduce inflammation by inhibiting prostaglandin and leukotriene production and decreasing neutrophil chemotaxis and superoxide generation.
01:25Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Crohn's Disease
Crohn’s disease is a chronic, relapsing form of inflammatory bowel disease characterized by segmental, transmural inflammation that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract. Its pathogenesis arises from a combination of genetic susceptibility, environmental exposures, epithelial barrier dysfunction, and immune dysregulation. Together, these factors lead to an exaggerated immune response against components of the gut microbiome.Genetic and Environmental InfluencesMultiple genetic...
01:29Pneumonia I: Introduction
Pneumonia is an infection of the lower respiratory tract that leads to inflammation of the lung parenchyma, often resulting in the accumulation of inflammatory exudate in the alveoli and airways. Unlike the watery, low-protein fluid exudate in pulmonary edema, the exudate in this case is a thick fluid rich in immune cells, proteins, and debris produced during infection and inflammation.This impairs gas exchange and can lead to consolidation of lung tissue. The infection may be caused by a...
01:30Pneumonia I: Introduction
Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that targets the lungs, specifically the alveoli. These tiny air sacs, essential for oxygen exchange, become engorged with pus and fluid, severely hindering breathing, decreasing oxygen absorption, and causing significant pain and discomfort during respiration.
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
01:31Pulmonary Tuberculosis III
Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious infection primarily affecting the lung parenchyma but which can also affect other body parts. TB can be classified based on disease development, presentation, and the affected anatomical site.
The first classification is based on the development of the disease, and it includes the following categories:
The first classification is based on the development of the disease, and it includes the following categories:
01:20Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the colon characterized by continuous mucosal inflammation that typically begins in the rectum and extends proximally in a uniform pattern. Its pathogenesis involves a complex interplay of genetic predisposition, immune dysregulation, and environmental influences. These factors converge to impair the colon’s epithelial defenses and promote an exaggerated inflammatory response against luminal contents.Breakdown of the Mucosal BarrierA...