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Updated: May 31, 2026
04:44
Imaging Features of Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease
Published on: June 16, 2020
Amiodarone induced acute interstitial pneumonitis
Thanigaiarsu Thiyagarajan1, Vijay Mahajan, Srinivas Katragadda
1St Vincent Mercy Medical Center, 2213 Cherry Street, Toledo, Ohio, 43608, USA.
BMJ Case Reports
|June 21, 2011
Summary
Amiodarone pulmonary toxicity (APT) can develop rapidly, even within two days of starting treatment. Early detection is crucial, and a simple screening tool is recommended to identify this potentially fatal side effect.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pulmonology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Amiodarone is a widely used antiarrhythmic drug.
- Amiodarone pulmonary toxicity (APT) is a serious, potentially fatal adverse effect.
- The incidence and rapid onset of APT are often underestimated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a rare case of acute interstitial pneumonitis developing rapidly after amiodarone initiation.
- To increase healthcare professional awareness regarding the potential for rapid-onset APT.
- To advocate for a simple, cost-effective screening tool for early APT detection.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a patient developing acute interstitial pneumonitis.
- Clinical observation of rapid onset of amiodarone-induced lung injury.
Main Results:
- A patient developed acute interstitial pneumonitis just two days after starting amiodarone.
- This case highlights the potential for rapid progression of APT.
Conclusions:
- Amiodarone can cause acute interstitial pneumonitis with a very rapid onset.
- Healthcare providers must be vigilant for early signs of APT.
- Development of a simple screening tool for early APT detection is recommended.
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