Bronchiolitis in a patient with ulcerative colitis treated with erythromycin

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology
• Gastroenterology
• Internal Medicine

Background:

• Investigates the link between airway diseases and inflammatory bowel disease, specifically ulcerative colitis (UC).
• Examines alternative treatment options for sinobronchial syndrome associated with UC.

Observation:

• A 47-year-old male with chronic sinusitis and suspected UC presented with abnormal chest X-ray findings.
• Chest CT revealed diffuse centrilobular granular shadows, with elevated neutrophils but no detected microorganisms in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid.

Findings:

• Diagnosis of sinobronchial syndrome or small airway disease associated with UC was made.
• Patient received long-term erythromycin therapy, a macrolide antibiotic.
• This contrasts with the typical steroid treatment for such conditions.

Implications:

• Macrolide therapy, specifically erythromycin, shows promise for treating airway involvement in UC patients.
• Suggests a potential therapeutic role for macrolides in managing inflammatory bowel disease-associated respiratory complications.
• Highlights the need for considering sinobronchial syndrome in patients with UC and respiratory symptoms.